Syrskyi: Ukrainian UAV strikes disabled 66% of Russian equipment in January

In January, 66% of Russian equipment was disabled by Ukrainian strike UAVs of various types. FPV drones accounted for the largest share of damage.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, posted this on Facebook, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

“I held a meeting on the development of unmanned systems and electronic warfare following the results of the first month of 2025. This is one of our constant priorities, without which victory in the modern technological war is impossible. This is a dynamically developing area. The front line is outlined by infantry positions. However, the build-up and skillful use of drones allows us to keep the enemy at a distance from our trenches and destroy them remotely. This means saving the lives and health of the infantrymen,” noted Syrskyi.

He emphasized the need to improve the interaction between the units of the Armed Forces and the general army units.

The Commander-in-Chief heard reports on the performance of unmanned systems brigades and battalions.

“Thus, in January, 66% of Russian equipment was disabled as a result of the operation of strike UAVs of various types. In total, our drones hit or destroyed 7% more targets in the reporting month than in December. FPV drones accounted for the largest share of hits (49%). The leaders in this area are the air defense units of the 46th Airmobile, 3rd Assault, and 80th Air Assault Brigades. I have decided to award the commanders of the Air Assault Forces units that demonstrate the best performance in destroying the enemy,” emphasized Syrskyi.

He also heard reports on the state of affairs regarding the acquisition of capabilities of the Unmanned Systems Forces units, including the reorganization of regiments into brigades, the increase of the unmanned component in mechanized brigades, as well as the latest models of electronic warfare systems and their compatibility with UAVs.

“The development of the Concept for the use of a separate brigade of unmanned systems of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and some other organizational issues related to the development of the Unmanned Systems Forces are at the final stage,” noted Syrskyi.

He drew special attention to the report of J2 (Ukrainian intelligence) on the formation of a new kind of troops by the enemy - the unmanned systems troops of the Russian Armed Forces.

“We are aware of the enemy's plans and specific plans, which envisage 210,000 servicemen in 277 military units by 2030. But in this war, the initiative in the area of unmanned systems belongs to us. The enemy recognizes the high efficiency of the combat use of the units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (USF), does not stand still, adopts our best practices, and scales up its work. We are facing relevant tasks, including asymmetric ones. We will develop, improve, and scale up our achievements in the field of USF. However, we will act not only with numbers, but also with skills,” Syrskyi summarized.