Latest news with #AndriiBiletskyi
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine's defence forces report shortage of FPV drones
Ukrainian troops have reported a critical shortage of FPV drones, severely affecting their ability to hold off Russian offensive operations. Source: BBC Ukraine, as reported by Mezha Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company) Details: BBC recalled that Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade (currently being restructured into a corps), revealed the unit had not received a single FPV drone in three months. The outcry prompted a delivery of drones to the brigade, but the deeper, systemic issue remains unresolved. FPV drones are considered the primary strike tool for Ukraine's defence forces, accounting for nearly 80% of confirmed target destruction. Despite government claims of scaling up domestic drone production to 10 million pieces, many brigades are still forced to procure equipment themselves or rely on volunteer aid. Currently, almost 500 UAV pieces operate within Ukrainian forces under a mixed supply model. Captain Yurii "Achilles" Fedorenko, commander of the 429th Separate UAV Regiment, said that about one third of drones come directly from the state, another third are procured using unit-held funds, and the remaining third are donated with the help of Ukrainian civilians. This spring, the greatest setback came from the third meant to be supplied centrally by the state. Serhii Varakin, commander of the unmanned systems battalion of the 58th Independent Motorised Infantry Brigade, said that a year ago his unit could launch up to 100 FPV drones per day. Today, they receive only 200-300 per month, far below operational needs. Mariia Berlinska, a volunteer and the head of the Aerointelligence Support Centre, attributed the issue to a change in leadership at the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA). However, the DPA denies any delay in drone procurement this year, stating that by May 2025, it had signed state contracts for over 2.3 million FPV drones, several times higher than in previous years. The BBC also highlighted that the selective distribution of drones between brigades adds to the crisis. In addition to the shortfall, troops are reporting a decline in quality. Soldiers often have to modify FPV drones themselves, and fibre-optic drones are proving unreliable, jeopardising operations on the frontline. Meanwhile, Russia has significantly scaled up its FPV drone production and is integrating new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Ukrainian commanders acknowledge the challenge and pledge to resolve the issue swiftly. The DPA recently announced that by May 2025 it had signed state contracts covering 81% of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' projected drone needs. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ukrainian military responds to commander's claim of no state-supplied FPV drones for 3rd Brigade
Ukraine's Armed Forces responded to recent comments by Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, who claimed that the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade had not received any state-supplied (first-person-view) FPV drones for three months, Babel reported on June 2. The 3rd Brigade, which formed the basis for the formation of the 3rd Army Corps, is seen as one of the most battle-hardened Ukrainian units. Many of its members include Azov veterans. In a written response to a request from Babel, the Armed Forces of Ukraine said the brigade had received a total of 7,992 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types between Jan. 1 and May 27. The military did not clarify whether that number included FPV drones. According to the military's logistics service, units are provided with a list of available equipment and may select what they need. All requests submitted by the 3rd Assault Brigade were reportedly fulfilled. The brigade must submit a separate request to the Defense Ministry for targeted funding if it requires a specific modification that is not in stock, the response read. That was the case in May, when the 3rd Assault Brigade received funds for procurement, the logistics department told Babel. In total, the state reportedly allocated Hr 151.5 million (about $3.6 million) to the brigade in 2025 for drone purchases. As of May 28, 57% of those funds had been spent. Biletskyi made his comments in an interview published May 11 with journalist Yurii Butusov. "I'd like to 'thank' the Defense Ministry — for three months, the 3rd Assault Brigade did not receive a single FPV drone," Biletskyi said. "We were severely lacking (the drones,) " he added. "Without the FPVs supplied by the state, we really dried out during these three months, because the front line is huge." Biletskyi also said the supply flow of drones to his unit has fluctuated. "In some periods, we received 30–40% of what was needed, and that mattered." Drones have proven especially effective during Ukraine's full-scale war with Russia, with both sides using them extensively on the front lines and for strikes beyond the battlefield. Read also: Ultimate guide on how drones changed warfare in Ukraine We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade reorganised into 3rd Army Corps
The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of Ukraine's defence forces has been reorganised into the 3rd Army Corps, with Andrii Biletskyi as its commander. Source: Biletskyi in a video message Quote: "For three years, we have gained unique experience in fierce battles, conducted successful counterattacks and become the most effective in frontline drone operations. We've introduced new technologies, redefined our approach to personnel training and developed the best recruitment system in the country. We've launched our schools for teaching operators of First-Person View drones and Ground Robotic Systems. We've created large-scale cultural and educational projects. It's time to expand our horizons." Details: Biletskyi noted that the main priorities of the Corps are combat training, building a professional sergeant corps, and focussing on management, planning and technology. He also stressed that the aim is to change the principles of this war, thereby shifting its course in favour of Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
