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13th Khartiia Brigade to Launch Air Defense Battalion With Anti-Drone Technology

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Lucile Brizard
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13th Khartiia Brigade to Launch Air Defense Battalion With Anti-Drone Technology
Fighters from the Charter Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine are shown. (Source: Charter Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine)

13th Khartiia Brigade plans to establish a dedicated air defense battalion, the corps’ commander, Colonel Ihor “Cornet” Obolensky, announced on May 15.

According to Obolensky, the new unit is gradually shifting away from traditional systems such as the ZU-23-2 and man-portable Stinger missile launchers toward more advanced technologies, including anti-aircraft drones.

These systems, he said, are designed to defend both frontline and rear areas more efficiently and cost-effectively.

“Intercepting drones with other drones is significantly cheaper than using MANPADS,” Obolensky explained.

“The main task is to extinguish the enemy’s eyes—if he can’t see, we can move and be safe. 13th Khartiia Brigade has very high hopes for this,” he said.

Obolensky added that drones now account for over 60 percent of battlefield activity, supporting a wide range of functions from reconnaissance and mine-laying to supply delivery and precision strikes.

Automated turrets are also being employed to enhance position defense.

Obolensky stressed that the corps’ command prioritizes personnel safety and aims to develop a defense infrastructure that reduces the need for direct human involvement in high-risk zones.

The air defense battalion will be part of the Second Corps “Charter,” based on the 13th Charter Brigade.

This brigade comprises several operational units, including the 3rd Brigade “Spartan,” the 4th Brigade “Rubizh,” the 17th Poltava Brigade “Reid,” and the 18th Slavic Brigade.

Obolensky also confirmed the existence of a foreign volunteer unit named “Guajiro,” which has served within the brigade for nearly a year. The unit has recently been presented with its own battle flag.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces reinforced defensive lines in three key areas of the Donetsk region—Novopavlivka, Pokrovske, and Vuhledar—allowing units to repel multiple Russian assaults.

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