---
title: "Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Create Drone Forces: Who Led Them"
description: "The Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have created an unmanned systems directorate led by Colonel Andriy Ostapenko to enhance front-line technological superiority."
date: 2026-10-06T12:58:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ground-forces-ukraine-create-drone-forces-ostapenko
tags: [ukraine-army, drone-forces, andriy-ostapenko, ground-forces, unmanned-systems]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Create Drone Forces: Who Led Them

![Servicemen of the Ground Forces of Ukraine with unmanned systems](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/06/v-suhoputnyh-vojskah-vsu-sozdali-dronovye-sily-kto-ih-vozglavil/v-suhoputnyh-vojskah-vsu-sozdali-dronovye-sily-kto-ih-vozglavil-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- An unmanned systems directorate has been created in the Ground Forces of Ukraine
- The new structure is led by Colonel Andriy Ostapenko
- The Drone Forces are integrated into combined-arms units without competing with the Unmanned Systems Forces
- Units perform combat, logistical, and support tasks on the front lines

The Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have officially announced the creation of a new unmanned systems directorate named the Drone Forces. This unit was formed to carry out specific and high-tech tasks in the interests of combined-arms units. Command of the new structure has been entrusted to Colonel Andriy Ostapenko, who presented the development concept at a special press conference in Kyiv. ### Goals, Tasks, and Status of the New Unit

As Colonel Andriy Ostapenko emphasized, the Drone Forces are not a separate independent branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but rather an internal brand of the Ground Forces. The creation of the directorate aims to strengthen technological potential and integrate unmanned systems into daily combat operations. The units are involved in both defensive and offensive operations, as well as carrying out important logistical missions and infantry support tasks on the front line. The slogan of the new formation—"On the ground, in the air, everywhere"—reflects the comprehensive nature of their work.

### Interaction with Unmanned Systems Forces and Absence of Competition

One of the key topics of the press conference was the demarcation of responsibilities with the already existing Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The command assured that there is no duplication of functions or direct competition between the agencies. The Ground Forces Unmanned Systems Directorate operates exclusively at the tactical and operational levels in the interests of combined-arms formations, introducing an end-to-end management vertical. ### Technological Breakthrough and Standards of Modern Warfare

Experts and participants in the event note that the emergence of the Drone Forces within the Ground Forces allows for instantaneous combat decision-making, minimizing personnel losses, and ensuring technological superiority on every meter of the front. In parallel, the Ukrainian army is actively introducing other innovations: in particular, robotic turrets are already being used to destroy Russian jet drones, and specialized UAV and ground robotic systems battalions are being formed in Territorial Defense brigades.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [В Сухопутных войсках ВСУ создали Дроновые силы: кто их возглавил](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/suhoputnih-viyskah-zsu-stvorili-dronovi-sili-1791290833.html) - Первоисточник с заявлением представителей Дроновых сил в Киеве.
- [В Сухопутных войсках создали отдельное управление беспилотных систем: его возглавил полковник ...](https://censor.net/ru/news/4026949/andreyi-ostapenko-vozglavil-novoe-upravlenie-bespilotnyh-sistem-suhoputnyh-voyisk) - Подтверждает назначение полковника Андрея Остапенко руководителем нового управления.
- [В Сухопутных войсках ВСУ создали управление беспилотных систем: его возглавил полковник ...](https://rubryka.com/ru/2026/10/06/suhoputnyh-vijskah-zsu/) - Детали о задачах и интеграции Дроновых сил в общевойсковые подразделения.
- [В Сухопутных войсках создали «Дроновые силы»: кто их возглавил и чем они будут заниматься](https://glavnoe.in.ua/ru/novosti/v-suhoputnyh-vojskah-sozdaly-dronovye-syly-kto-yh-vozhlavyl-y-chem-ony-budut-zanymatsya) - Контекст создания внутреннего бренда и вертикали управления.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Who leads the Drone Forces of the Ukrainian Ground Forces?
**A:** The new Unmanned Systems Directorate of the Ground Forces is led by Colonel Andriy Ostapenko.

### Q: Are the Drone Forces a separate branch of the military?
**A:** No, the Drone Forces are not a separate military branch, but an internal specialized directorate within the Ground Forces.