Over 66,000 enemy targets in September: Syrskyi notes effectiveness of Ukrainian drone systems
With Russia holding a significant advantage in manpower, unmanned systems have become a crucial tool for restraining the enemy and destroying its forces on the battlefield.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said this during a meeting on the development of unmanned systems in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which he reported on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.
"Amid the enemy's considerable superiority in personnel, unmanned systems are our strong argument for restraining and destroying Russian forces on the battlefield. We have no choice but to fight with quality and skill," Syrskyi said.
According to him, there are already tangible results: in September, Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems struck 66,500 Russian targets, or 10.8% more than in August. Of these, 39,200 strikes were carried out by kamikaze drones. In addition, 18,159 Russian troops were killed or wounded, an increase of 23% compared to the previous month.
"The number of missions carried out by robotic ground systems has almost doubled, showing that commanders are paying growing attention to this important component of unmanned systems," Syrskyi said.
He added that Ukraine maintains the upper hand in the use of FPV drones, although the enemy is actively attempting to achieve parity.
Syrskyi also heard a detailed briefing from J-2 intelligence on Russia's drone development, new units, technical solutions, and operational plans.
"The enemy is not standing still, and it is investing heavily in building drone units and spending vast resources on this. We cannot afford to slow down," he said.
He said the Ukrainian Armed Forces are continuing to expand unmanned systems units and are conducting a recruitment campaign for these specialized forces.
"During the meeting, I also listened to reports from unit commanders from the battlefield, who shared their combat experience with UAVs and robotic systems, as well as their organizational and innovative solutions. We discussed current problems and ways to resolve them urgently. Unmanned systems have received and will continue to receive my top-level support," Syrskyi said.
He also outlined further tasks for strengthening drone units, optimizing their structure, and improving coordination with infantry formations, in whose interests drones are deployed.
"I once again sincerely thank the drone forces of the Defense Forces for their major contribution to destroying the enemy, their persistence in carrying out combat missions, and their commitment to developing this crucial field," Syrskyi concluded.
Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces / Facebook