The article from the Kiev Post is the final installment in a series focusing on Ukrainian airstrike operations targeting Russian military logistics using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The series covers the use of various aircraft by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), tactics for striking operations, and assessments of damage inflicted on Russian supply chains.
An elite drone force of Ukraine, comprising seasoned pilots and flight planners, has been conducting extensive bombing campaigns, particularly throughout June, which have resulted in the destruction of hundreds of fuel trucks and significant disruptions to Russian supply lines. The Unmanned Systems Force (USF) initiated these strike operations in mid-April, aiming to hamper logistics networks between Crimea and the front lines.
These operations involve around 300 to 500 highly skilled veterans who employ 30 to 40 kamikaze drones per attack. Over 5,000 personnel are engaged in this "middle strike" effort, targeting vital military infrastructure such as air defenses, command posts, and logistics facilities.
The article highlights various specialized units within the USF, including:
- 414th Brigade "Putaki Madyara": Known for large-scale drone operations and critical strikes on Russian facilities.
- K-2 Battalion: Focuses on reconnaissance and anti-logistics missions in occupied territories.
- 412th Brigade "Nemesis": Specialized in multi-domain attacks aligning air, sea, and ground operations.
- 413th Brigade "Assault": Initially part of the USF but later became an independent unit focusing on long-range strikes.
Additionally, the 422nd Regiment "Luftwaffe" and the 41st Regiment "Pilum" are mentioned for their contributions to air defense and reconnaissance efforts around key areas like Mariupol. The report underscores Ukraine’s ongoing military strategy to undermine Russian forces’ effectiveness through targeted drone operations, thereby altering the dynamics of the conflict in the region.
