Russia copies Ukraine's drone force model, plans 168,000-strong UAV force by year-end

Russia is replicating Ukraine's organizational model for unmanned systems forces and plans to expand its UAV personnel to 168,000 by the end of 2026, according to Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces.

Brovdi said in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda that Russia had 86,000 UAV personnel around New Year 2026, 100,000 as of 1 April 2026, and 114,000 as of early May 2026 — an increase of 28,000 over four months. He noted that some figures may be inflated or inaccurate but said the overall trend indicates growth at that estimated pace. Brovdi added that Russia's drone forces could reach around 200,000 personnel within a year.

"They have some of their own experience, but in most cases, they try to steal or replicate ours and take the already proven path," Brovdi said. He stated that Russia is establishing its own centralized Unmanned Systems Forces group that will integrate most UAV units within its army, improving command and enabling increased centralized production of equipment.

As an example of Russia's centralized approach, Brovdi cited the modernization of Molniya strike drones. He said Russia has reduced the cost of Molniya drones to about US$1,500, increased the warhead to 10 kg, and ordered 1.1 million of these drones. "Do you know what this has already led to? An average brigade catches up to 60 Molniyas a day in its area of operations," Brovdi said. "They have become cheap; the state has intervened to control the price, placed a huge order and launched them into mass use. With such numbers, you cannot catch them all."

Brovdi also said Russia is testing its own satellite communication systems as an alternative to Starlink following restrictions on Starlink access, though the systems remain imperfect and easily detectable. He warned that within a year, Russia could establish an alternative communication network along the entire frontline.