Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Sirskis has revealed that Russia intends to expand the number of soldiers in its drone units by 79,000 by 2026. This information aligns with insights from the Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR), indicating that the total personnel involved in these military sectors could rise to 165,000. Sirskis underscored that in many aspects of drone systems, Russia is at least keeping pace with Ukraine, marking a significant point of concern for the Ukrainian defense strategy.

In addition to personnel increases, Russia has begun producing its own reconnaissance drones, which are becoming more prevalent in conflict scenarios. Russian forces are also testing drones equipped with jet engines, such as the 'Geran-4' and 'Geran-5', in combat situations. This escalation of drone technology and deployment suggests that Russia is committing to enhancing its military capabilities on this front, potentially reshaping air combat dynamics in the ongoing conflict.

The anticipation of a surge in Russian drone units motivates Ukraine to expedite the development of its own revolutionary technological and command solutions to counteract these threats. Sirskis mentioned that efforts are underway to expand the unmanned components within Ukrainian strike forces, with additional battalions of drone systems being integrated into specific strike units. This situation underscores the arms race in drone warfare, highlighting the necessity for both sides to adapt quickly to advancements and tactics employed by their opponents.