Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Reach Milestone 300 Russian Air Defenses Hit in 2026

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) hit a major milestone in their targeted campaign against Russian air defense assets, recording 300 enemy systems hit or destroyed in 261 days of 2026, the SBS Commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi reported on September 19.

The milestone—part of an operation dubbed “PPOpad-2026” (Air Defense Fall)—was reached on September 19 when drone operators destroyed a Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system near Ukrainka in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region.

Brovdi reported that Ukrainian drone units successfully hunted 26 Russian air defense units between September 10 and 18, bringing the total for the month to 37.

Since the start of the campaign 261 days ago, the Unmanned Systems Forces have visually confirmed strikes on 300 Russian targets:

• 162 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems (SAM/SPAAG);

• 124 radar complexes;

• 14 electronic warfare (EW) systems.

Ukrainian forces have previously dismantled key air defense assets near Gelendzhik, exposing the airspace surrounding Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s coastal residence. A targeted Ukrainian strike destroyed a “Volna Kupol Garant” electronic warfare installation deployed to jam Starlink communications.

The elimination of the EW system enabled drone units under Commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi to hit an S-400 system just 500 meters away, destroying at least one launcher and breaching the protective shield around the heavily fortified estate.

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