Azov Corps Introduces Standardized Visual Identity

The 1st Azov Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard has finalized the process of standardizing the insignias of the units under its jurisdiction. The changes have been gradually revealed through official unit channels, recruitment platforms, and public ceremonies.

From the outset of the corps’ formations, several units already had the distinct shapes associated with the corps, being the Bureviy and Azov Brigades. Additionally, the newly expanded Lyubart Brigade had received a similar insignia, basing it upon its previous design from when it was a linear battalion of the Azov Brigade.

Chervona Kalyna Insignia

In December 2025, the Chervona Kalyna Brigade began transitioning from its roundel insignia to the standardized chevron. Several design variants were identified, with the finalized version first observed in a subdued field variant during a brigade awards ceremony that same month.

Later, the brigade officially unveiled the new design of the insignia on its social channels and website, and it was also depicted in vibrant ceremonial colours. Both of the insignia variants were redrawn in high-quality renditions for MilitaryLand.

While maintaining its symbolic core, the brigade introduced a revision of the central symbology, becoming a stylized red viburnum rendered in a flame-like form, reflecting the unit’s name. This updated insignia appeared consistently across both field and ceremonial variants.

Additionally, the brigade’s subordinate units were updated to extend this standardization to the battalion level. New insignias were introduced for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Operational Battalions, as well as the Tank Company, Unmanned Systems Battalion, and Support Battalion, all adopting the same pointed chevron design consistent with the established corps-wide style.

Kara-Dag Insignia

Furthermore, by March 2026, the Kara-Dag Brigade was observed to have adopted a new variant of the insignia in line with the rest of the corps. At an awards ceremony of the brigade, a new pointed chevron was seen, including a dark green and black color scheme, alongside a redesigned variant of its Unmanned Systems Battalion named “Ghost of Khortytsia”.

By April 2026, two new variants surfaced. These included a silver-grey and black version identified on the Ukrainian recruitment platform on LobbyX, and a subdued field variant once again observed at a formal ceremony. The three variants of the chevron appear here for the first time, exclusively on MilitaryLand, in high-quality renditions.

The updated insignia remains largely consistent with the brigade’s previous design, with the primary change being its transition to the standardized pointed chevron used across the corps. The color palette has also been revised, moving away from the earlier subdued olive and yellow tones toward higher-contrast variants. It is expected that the brigade’s subordinate units will gradually adopt this standardized chevron format as the transition continues.

Developments in the Corps

In parallel with these visual changes, the corps has undergone several structural developments in recent months. A new formation, the 8th Artillery Brigade “Harmash,” has been established, likely drawing on the experience of artillery elements previously embedded within subordinate brigades, particularly the Brigade Artillery Group of the Azov Brigade.

Additionally, the Personnel Training Battalion of the Azov Brigade has been elevated to the corps level. It now oversees standardized training across all units, with its expanded role recently reflected in training activities involving recruits from both the Azov and Lyubart Brigades.

The Recruitment and Khorunzhna Service of the Azov Brigade has also been expanded to serve at the corps level. This development is intended to support ceremonial functions, preserve historical traditions, and strengthen recruitment efforts across all brigades within the corps.

Similar processes are underway within the 2nd Khartia Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard, which continues to advance its own structural development in parallel. In particular, it has already advanced the creation of its own dedicated Assault Regiment, Artillery Brigade, and Unmanned Systems Regiment. It is currently also collaborating with the 3rd Army Corps to create a joint, revised training programme for its recruits, as announced on the social channels of both units.

The Pilum Unmanned Systems Battalion, formed around mid-to-late 2025 on the basis of the former Unmanned Systems Battalion of the Azov Brigade, is likely to be expanded to regimental level in the near future, given ongoing reformations within the branch to expand the combat cohesion and capabilities of both of its combat corps.