Ukraine Forms Second Unmanned Systems Brigade Amid Manpower Shortage
Ukraine is forming the 446th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade, making it the second new brigade of its kind established in 2026 after the 445th Brigade.
The new unit is recruiting personnel to operate FPV, bomber and interceptor drones, as well as ground robots, alongside analysts and other support roles.
The expansion comes as Ukraine continues to face a shortage of military personnel. Kyiv is increasingly relying on unmanned systems to perform reconnaissance, strike and logistical missions while reducing the need to expose soldiers to frontline risks.
Ukraine has also been rapidly expanding the use of ground robots, with the Defense Ministry reporting more than 22,000 systems contracted since the beginning of 2026.