Ukraine is the first in the world to create a new type of troops - Unmanned Systems Forces

The President of Ukraine has signed a historic decree on the creation of a new type of troops - the Unmanned Systems Forces. The decree emphasises the use of unmanned and robotic air, sea and ground systems. It also calls for the involvement of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the development of relevant proposals. The decree came into force upon publication and set a world first precedent.

The creation of a separate branch of the armed forces focused on the use of unmanned systems will have several key implications for defence capabilities, warfare tactics, technological development, and international security and ethics. Here are some of the potential implications:

• Increased efficiency and flexibility of warfare: Unmanned systems can perform a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and surveillance to precision strikes and logistics, reducing the need for direct human involvement in dangerous situations and increasing the accuracy of missions.
• Reduced personnel losses: Since unmanned systems can operate in extreme and risky environments in place of manpower, their active use will help reduce military casualties.
• Innovative technological development: The creation of a separate branch of the armed forces specialising in unmanned systems will stimulate the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, communications and cybersecurity.
• Changes in warfare tactics and strategy: The use of unmanned systems can fundamentally change the way warfare is conducted, in particular, through the ability to conduct long-term reconnaissance missions, precision strikes on designated targets, and autonomous response to threats without direct human intervention.

Military unmanned systems are divided into three main types:

1. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs):

• Reconnaissance: UAVs can conduct reconnaissance of enemy forces, gathering data on their location, numbers and weapons.
• Surveillance: UAVs can observe the battlefield, monitor troop movements, and adjust artillery fire.
• Strike: UAVs can carry weapons such as missiles, bombs or machine guns and use them to attack enemy forces.
• Electronic warfare: UAVs can be used to jam enemy communications and radar systems.

2. Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs):

• Delivery and evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield: UGVs can transport supplies, weapons and ammunition to soldiers on the battlefield. And evacuate the wounded.
• Reconnaissance: APCs can conduct reconnaissance of enemy forces, collecting data on their location, numbers and weapons.
• Surveillance: The UGVs can observe the battlefield, monitor troop movements and adjust artillery fire.
• Mine action: APCs can be used to lay mines and other explosive devices.

3. Unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (UUVs):

• Reconnaissance: UUVs can conduct reconnaissance of enemy forces, collecting data on their location, numbers and weapons.
• Surveillance: UUVs can conduct maritime surveillance, monitoring the movements of ships and submarines.
• Minesweeping: UUVs can be used to lay mines and other explosive devices.
• Attack: UUVs can carry weapons such as missiles or torpedoes and use them to attack enemy forces.

Source: Website of the President of Ukraine