Ukraine Seeks More Drones and Better Drone Tactics, National Guard Commander Says

Ukraine’s National Guard Urges Expansion of Drone Use as Winter Looms

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s National Guard is calling for a major ramp-up in drone deployment and more coordinated tactics, warning that denser coverage and better coordination are critical to halting Russian foot infiltration, particularly as winter approaches, National Guard head Oleksandr Pivnenko told Reuters.

Background: Drone Warfare Shapes Modern Battlefield

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become central to combat operations on both sides. Drones are not only used for reconnaissance but also for strikes, surveillance, and close support across Ukraine’s 1,200 km front lines.

As the war has evolved, so too have tactics. According to Pivnenko, Russian forces increasingly move in small, dispersed groups and rely on drones for cover and target acquisition — a strategy that complicates defensive efforts. In addition, winter conditions could worsen movement challenges in the field, making drone coverage even more critical.

Key Details: Calls for More Drones, Better Coordination

• Drone Parity, But Manpower Imbalance: Pivnenko said Ukraine and Russia now have “parity in drones in key battlefield areas,” but Russia retains a significant manpower advantage.
• Weather Concerns: The onset of late autumn and early winter — characterized by wet soils and muddy terrain — will make movement harder. Pivnenko warned that without effective drone coverage, Russian troops could exploit infiltration routes on foot.
• Infiltration Risk: “We need to stop the enemy more as they approach on foot,” he said. If Ukrainian units carry out their tasks “with greater density on the front line … and the enemy infiltrates less deeply, it will be better for us.”
• Tiered Drone Operations: Pivnenko proposed a layered structure for drone operations — assigning different units to distinct operational “layers” so that teams operating close to the contact line don’t overlap or interfere with those further back.
• Structural Reforms: Since his appointment in 2023, Pivnenko has overseen a shift in the National Guard’s organization — moving from brigade- to corps-based commands, aiming to improve coordination, control, and responsiveness.
• Promoting Young Commanders: He highlighted the importance of empowering younger, more dynamic officers. “Young commanders … are more decisive … to change something in the situation in general,” Pivnenko said. Reuters

Strategic Analysis: Why This Matters

Pivnenko’s comments highlight a critical challenge for Ukraine: while it has built up a substantial drone capacity, the effectiveness of its unmanned systems is not just a function of quantity. Coordination, command structure, and tactical flexibility all matter — especially under harsh environmental conditions.

Winter can dramatically shift battlefield dynamics. As terrain becomes trickier and movement slows, the importance of persistent reconnaissance, rapid response, and layered drone coverage grows. Without tighter drone tactics, the risk of enemy infiltration increases, Pivnenko warns.

These remarks also come amid a broader technological race in the drone domain. Ukrainian military leaders have emphasized that interceptor drones — used to counter Russian Shahed and Geran UAVs — are a key component of layered air defense. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces have expressed concern that NATO armies remain ill-prepared for the demands of modern drone warfare.

Furthermore, Ukraine’s military command sees drone warfare as a long-term asymmetric advantage. Pivnenko’s push for denser coverage and structured drone “layers” aligns with larger efforts to institutionalize drone operations within command hierarchies — a sign that unmanned systems are no longer a supplementary asset but a backbone of Ukrainian defense.

Expert / Policy Perspective

Defense analysts note that Ukraine’s emphasis on drone density and coordination reflects hard-earned lessons from years of high-tempo, drone-heavy combat. The proliferation of small strike UAVs, FPV drones, and interceptors has reshaped how both sides fight.

Vadym Sukharevskyi, head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, has warned that NATO militaries are not yet prepared for the scope of drone warfare, urging allies to invest in AI-enabled targeting, ground drones, and other technologies.

At the same time, analysts emphasize the importance of doctrine and training. High drone numbers alone may not suffice; efficient command and control, tiered deployment strategies, and adaptive tactics are increasingly proving essential for battlefield success.

What’s Next: Implications & Outlook

Pivnenko’s call comes at a critical moment as Ukrainian forces brace for winter. If implemented, denser and more coordinated drone deployment could blunt Russian infiltration, protect defensive lines, and reduce the risk posed by foot-borne enemy advances.

However, realizing this vision will require continued investment in drones, training, and command reform. Ukraine will likely press its allies for further support — especially for interceptor systems, sensors, and command platforms.

On a broader level, Pivnenko’s remarks underscore how unmanned warfare is now a central pillar of Ukraine’s defense strategy. As both sides refine their drone tactics, the conflict continues to serve as a testing ground for next-generation UAV warfare — with lessons that may shape military doctrine globally.