Since the beginning of 2026, the Defence Ministry has codified and approved for use by the Defence Forces of Ukraine 650 unmanned aerial systems. The ministry’s press service reported this.
Among all types of UAVs, the largest number were strike copters, with 238 new models codified. The Defence Ministry described them as relatively inexpensive and highly accurate weapons for striking Russian personnel and equipment on the frontline.
In addition, 231 UAVs with fibre-optic control links have been approved for use. Their main advantage is their resistance to Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems.
The Defence Forces’ arsenal has also been expanded with 42 new interceptor drones. They play an important role in modern air defence, enabling the effective destruction of Russian drones while being relatively inexpensive, the Defence Ministry said.
Since the beginning of the year, the Defence Ministry has codified 32 middle-strike UAVs. They enable strikes against Russian forces’ operational rear areas, including the destruction of their logistics.
At the same time, nine deep-strike UAVs have been approved for use by the Defence Forces. The availability of drones of this type makes it possible to strike deep inside Russian territory.
In July, the Defence Ministry reported that it had codified and approved 413 UAV systems for use by the Defence Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the year. These included the Ukrainian-made Halka, Skyriper Minotaur, Hor Elks, Besket, Shturm, Bababoom and Zorro. New UAV systems including Blinc, Optoslon, Chumak, Sokil, Hydra, Kruk, Dzyga, Kharyok, Buran, Bilyi Vovk and Sichen have also been codified.