Head of Ukrainian Unmanned Forces for Defence24: “Ukrainian Drones Forced Russia to Change Its Strategy”

Bartłomiej Wypartowicz: How is Russia adapting to the use of and countering unmanned systems? Was there ever a moment when Russia held an advantage in this field?

Colonel Vadim Sukharevsky, commander of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces: At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia had a relative advantage in employing unmanned aerial vehicles, but the rapid development and refinement of unmanned technology by Ukraine forced them to adapt to new realities. Recently, the Russians have been using FPV drones controlled via fiber optics. Although their use remains limited, the enemy is actively trying to employ them in certain areas of the front.

Deep strikes by units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems significantly affect the enemy’s tactics and strategy, forcing them to adapt to new threats. They disrupt supply chains, destroy command posts, ammunition depots, fuel and lubricant storage facilities, and other critical installations in the rear. This, in turn, compels the enemy to change their defensive approach and develop new countermeasures.

Could you give an example of such a usage?

Of course. For example, on the night of 11th February 2025, unmanned systems units, in cooperation with other components of Ukraine’s Defensive Forces, struck a strategic enterprise that played an important role in supplying the Russian Federation with fuels and lubricants, a facility with a projected production capacity of 7 million tons of oil per year. In the face of continuous drone attacks, the enemy is forced to reinforce its air defence by deploying additional units in rear areas that were previously considered safe. Despite the enemy’s efforts, Ukrainian unmanned technologies are developing rapidly, and their tactics are continuously refined, thereby maintaining Ukraine’s advantage in this field.

In your opinion, what does effective defence against unmanned systems look like?

Effective defence against unmanned aerial vehicles cannot rely on a single method; it must combine various approaches that adapt to the evolving tactics of the enemy. Only an integrated approach can limit the threat and preserve the combat capability of our units.

Protecting forces against unmanned systems requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates tactical, technical, and organizational measures. Dispersing forces, using camouflage, and employing concealment to reduce visibility are essential. Air defence should include mobile anti-aircraft systems, automated surveillance, and effective use of small arms. Equally important are electronic warfare systems that jam the control and navigation signals of drones. On the tactical level, specialized counter-drone guns are beneficial. Physical measures such as nets and trenches also play a crucial role in significantly reducing the effectiveness of FPV drone attacks. Moreover, the development of anti-drone technologies—including interceptor drones and systems to detect enemy operators—is vital. Besides technological solutions, training personnel to react swiftly and adapt to changes in enemy tactics is imperative. Only a comprehensive blend of these measures will ensure effective protection of our forces on the modern battlefield.

Recently, there has been much discussion about fiber-optic controlled drones. Does fiber optics have a future as a method of drone control?

This method is both promising and challenging. On one hand, it is revolutionary because it nullifies the effectiveness of expensive electronic warfare systems. On the other hand, such drones have significant limitations in maneuverability, which reduces their combat flexibility. Our unmanned systems forces have already adapted to this new threat and are developing their own fiber-optic controlled drones, which are currently undergoing tests and research. This will allow us to effectively neutralize the enemy’s advantages and further expand the capabilities of Ukrainian unmanned technologies.

There is a lot of talk about unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the Mavic, and FPV drones; slightly less about marine drones, and even less about ground-based systems. Will this situation change?

Unique Ukrainian unmanned marine systems, when confronting the Russian navy, have demonstrated high effectiveness and have significantly contributed to a turning point in maritime operations by “pushing” the entire Russian fleet into ports and harbors.

To better understand the situation in the Black Sea and the balance of forces, recall that at the war’s outset, Russia secured control over the maritime area thanks to the numerical and technical superiority of its fleet. This allowed enemy ships free operation from Sevastopol Bay, conducting missile attacks and supplying their forces. By seizing Snake Island, and capturing Berdyansk and Mariupol, Russia established full control over the Sea of Azov and greatly restricted Ukraine’s activities in the Black Sea, using it as a base for continuous missile terror. However, the situation radically changed thanks to the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. The combined use of Neptun maneuvering missiles and marine drones with Western weapons, particularly Harpoon missiles, significantly weakened the capabilities of the Russian fleet. The destruction of the Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, the cruiser “Moskva,” was a turning point; equally important was the effective use of waterborne drones, which forced Russia to change its strategy. As a result, the enemy abandoned its plans for an amphibious landing in Odesa, was forced to transfer most of its vessels to Novorossiya, and the grain corridor continues to operate without the aggressor’s participation.

Can marine unmanned systems become waterborne platforms on which increasingly modern types of armaments are installed?

Marine drones are already transforming into fully-fledged naval platforms, on which an even broader range of weaponry can be installed in the future. For example, it is envisaged that portable anti-aircraft missile systems such as the FIM-92 Stinger, Starstreak, or heavy machine guns could be mounted on these platforms, proving quite effective against enemy aircraft. Using man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems would allow for direct fire from the sea, employing marine drones as platforms. This would eliminate the enemy’s aerial advantage and enhance the survivability and effectiveness of marine drones. Ultimately, this should force the enemy to lose control of both the sea and the air over the Black and Azov Seas, playing a key role in the operation to liberate occupied Crimea. Continuous development and refinement remain the most critical aspects in the field of marine drones—as in all areas—and our Unmanned Systems Forces are tirelessly working on this.

We also have ground unmanned systems. How is the situation evolving in that area?

While just a few years ago unmanned systems were primarily associated with aerial vehicles, today the Ukrainian army increasingly employs ground “robots” to carry out key tasks. Each type of unmanned system is designed for a specific mission. For example, kamikaze drones are built with a minimized structural mass to maximize the payload of explosives they can carry. Some reconnaissance drones are equipped with thermal and high-resolution cameras that allow them to detect enemy positions even at night. Given the rapid development in this field, we can expect the mass use of ground unmanned systems in the near future.

According to available information, drones are most effective when operating in synergy with other combat assets. How are unmanned systems integrated into the units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces?

In modern combat conditions, drones serve not only as reconnaissance platforms but also as key components of integrated fire control systems. They provide persistent monitoring of the terrain, target detection, and real-time transmission of images and other data to command posts. This allows for rapid adjustment of artillery strikes and other offensive systems, thereby increasing the accuracy of the inflicted damage. The information gathered by drones is actively used to coordinate strikes by different military branches. For example, drone data facilitates more precise targeting for unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery, tanks, and even fighter jets, creating a synergy among the various elements of our combat system.

What about the survivability of drones on the battlefield? How quickly can we expect drone updates to increase their resistance to Russian electronic warfare measures?

The survivability of unmanned systems on the modern battlefield is steadily improving due to several factors: the training of personnel, particularly the operators of unmanned systems; enhanced management efficiency, especially in planning and deploying these systems; and better coordination of their integration with electronic warfare/air defense measures, as well as continual refinement of tactics based on combat experience. The Command of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces is implementing a full range of actions aimed at increasing these systems’ resilience against enemy electronic warfare. This includes participating in the development of technical and tactical requirements for unmanned systems that ensure enhanced resistance to interference. We also promote innovative development competitions to focus manufacturers on the key aspects important to us, and we organize and participate in field tests on proving grounds and in combat conditions to assess their resilience to electronic warfare measures.

The issue of warheads in unmanned strike systems is also interesting. Which warheads are considered the most effective?

The choice of a warhead for unmanned strike systems is closely tied to the mission, operating conditions, and target characteristics. There is no single solution that fits all scenarios, which is why operators and developers concentrate on the specific requirements of each task.

What is the significance of international cooperation, particularly with Poland, in the development and deployment of unmanned systems? What joint actions would be advisable?

Conducting joint exercises would be extremely beneficial, as Poland has always been a reliable partner to Ukraine, providing maximum support from the very early days of the war. We will always remember this contribution and express our sincere gratitude to the Polish nation and leadership. Since we are neighbors and regional security issues affect both our countries, our common goal is to further deepen our cooperation.

The Unmanned Systems Forces have already demonstrated not only their ability to rapidly implement innovative technologies but also their role as catalysts for new strategic trends in defense. The integration of high-level strategic planning, technological breakthroughs, and unconventional solutions is creating a new paradigm in warfare: one in which those who can quickly, effectively, and creatively adapt to the challenges of the modern battlefield always remain one step ahead.

Thank you for this conversation.

Thank you.