Overview
- Russia’s dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces number about 87,000 personnel, ISW reports, with a current structure of seven regiments, 25 battalions, one division and three detachments, plus specialised drone centers and plans for major 2026 expansion.
- Ukrainian Air Force figures for Feb. 5–6 cite two Kinzhal missiles, five Kh-59/69 missiles and 328 drones launched, with 297 drones downed and 22 striking 14 locations as debris and impacts were reported in multiple areas.
- Frontline accounts describe Russian units saturating sectors with Mavic quadcopters at the line of contact, Supercam, Zala and Orlan reconnaissance drones in the rear, and Molniya systems for logistics in the Pokrovsk direction.
- The reported size of Russia’s unmanned forces exceeds the British Army’s October 2025 full-time trained strength of 74,270, which is supported by 25,710 reservists.
- The UK says it has trained 3,000 Army drone pilots and plans to train 6,000 more next year as part of a £4 billion push to expand unmanned capabilities.