Russia is sharply increasing its drone forces in the Kherson region
OSINT researcher Brandon Kelly has published an analysis of Russian unmanned aerial vehicle units operating in the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region. According to his data, Russia is actively expanding its drone forces, increasing both the number of units and their combat capabilities.
According to the researcher, three main units are operating in the region: “Delta,” “Squadron,” and the 50th “Varyag” Brigade. The previously small “Delta” unit has received modern signal-relay equipment, which has enabled the Russians to attack the Kherson–Mykolaiv highway. The unit is now using Zala reconnaissance UAVs, heavy “Koshchey” helicopters, “Lancet” loitering munitions, and interceptor drones.
The “Escadron” unit has also grown from a small group of operators into a full-fledged unmanned systems battalion. According to Kelly, it is this unit’s operators who regularly publish videos of strikes on civilian targets and civilians in Ukraine.
Separately, the researcher highlights the 50th “Varyag” Brigade, which reports directly to the Supreme Command of the Russian Armed Forces. The unit operates along a section of the front stretching from Nikopol and Marganets to Kherson, and some of its groups have even been spotted in the Kharkiv area. In addition to a wide range of drones, the brigade uses ground-based and surface-based unmanned systems.
According to Brandon Kelly, Russia is thus attempting to close the gap with Ukraine in the field of unmanned systems by experimenting with various models for integrating them into its forces. At the same time, he believes that the current Ukrainian system for organizing UAV units remains more effective.
Source: Brandon Kelly.
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