The Unmanned Systems Forces (Сили безпілотних систем, SBS) are a branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine created for centralized command and control of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and their combat employment. Since 3 June 2025, the Commander of the USF is Major Robert Brovdi (callsign "Madyar" / "Magyar").
The establishment of a separate service branch for unmanned systems marked recognition of the critical role drones play in modern warfare. Ukraine became one of the first countries in the world to separate drone units into a distinct command structure.
Core missions of the USF:
On 9 February 2025, the 414th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems "Madyar's Birds" (Птахи Мадяра) officially joined the "Drone Line" project.
"Drone Line" is an initiative aimed at uniting the most effective unmanned systems units of Ukraine's Defence Forces to scale and coordinate UAV employment at the front.
Project participants include:
"Drone Line" objectives:
On 11 June 2025, the Unmanned Systems Forces Grouping was established, uniting units from the "Drone Line" and the Unmanned Systems Forces.
On 1 July 2025, a unified system for accounting and verification of combat missions was introduced in the USF Grouping, covering all units, along with an electronic combat logbook.
On 2 July 2025, the first public monthly report from the USF Grouping on combat performance results was released.
A pioneering unit founded by Brovdi in May–June 2022. Evolution:
Achievements:
Commander — Oleh "Khasan" Huita (Deputy Commander of the USF since 31 March 2026).
One of the leading units within the "Drone Line."
Part of the USF Grouping.
A unit of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Commander — Dmytro "Zemlyak" Oleksyuk (Acting Deputy Commander of the USF Grouping since 31 March 2026).
Following his appointment, Robert Brovdi announced an action plan for the first 100 days:
1. Transparent Results: 6–7 USF units to enter the TOP-10 performance rating.
2. Unified System: All USF units to operate within a unified electronic system for planning, analysis, coordination, command, and online reporting.
3. 12 Layers of USF Impact: ELINT, EW, radar, enemy UAV interceptors, remote minelaying, tiered counter-Shahed measures, counter-pilot groups, etc.
4. "Candies = Results": Expansion of in-house ammunition production.
5. Unified Critical Component Stock: A package of 50 critical assets (Starlink, batteries, EW systems, FPV and bomber components).
6. UGV Logistics: Ground robotic platforms as the primary logistics means.
7. Force Replenishment: Unified recruiting campaign, network of FPV, bomber, fixed-wing, EW, and ELINT schools.
8. "Pilots Fly, Everyone Else Supports the Process": Optimization of staffing structure, crew retraining.
9. "Count-Plan-Receive-Fight": Unified analysis of capabilities and outcomes.
In September 2025, a multi-layered model for USF employment was introduced, envisioning 15 layers of impact against the enemy across tactical, operational, and strategic depths.
On 4 September 2025, Robert Brovdi announced the launch of the USF online dashboard "Pidrakhuyka," designed to display verified combat performance results of units in real time.
System features:
Website: https://sbs-group.army/
On 25 December 2025, at the initiative of the USF Commander, the Deep Strike Centre (Центр глибинних уражень, ЦГУ) of the USF was established — a coordination body for planning and executing strikes against targets at operational and strategic depths.
ЦГУ USF Results (24 December 2025 – 20 April 2026):
113 air defence targets struck:
By period:
By order of Brovdi, the number of air defence assets struck must continuously increase to degrade the enemy's detection and interception capabilities.
100-Day Results (June–September 2025):
Strength vs Results:
10-Month Results (3 June 2025 – 20 April 2026):
The Unmanned Systems Forces include the following subordinate units (source: "MADYAR" Telegram channel):
On 30 October 2025, a recruiting campaign was announced — over 15,000 vacancies.
As of 25 November 2025:
15 May 2026 — 4,010 cumulative enemy casualties for May (source: "MADYAR" Telegram channel).
Robert "Madyar" Brovdi received the title Hero of Ukraine on 8 May 2025, meaning the USF command now includes at least three individuals awarded the nation's highest honour.