Lava Drone Battalion Becomes A Regiment

The Ukrainian National Guard continues efforts to develop its combat corps structure, with the 2nd Khartia Corps leading the push to align with new directives from Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to form additional units.

Recently, it has been revealed that the Lava Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 2nd Khartia Corps has been expanded into a full-on Unmanned Systems Regiment, as part of the corps.

Expansion of the Unit

The unit was previously part of the Raid Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, which has since been incorporated into the corps structure. In September 2025, the battalion had been placed directly under the command of the 2nd Khartia Corps, marking an earlier step in its transition toward a more independent and expanded role within the formation.

Initial indication of the battalion’s expansion emerged through recruitment advertisements for positions within the Ukrainian Defense Forces, where the unit was referred to at regimental strength. On April 5, 2026, the official Instagram of the battalion changed its description, confirming that the unit is now in fact a regiment.

Additionally, the corps released footage on the same day, revealing the work of the Strike Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Company of the regiment in action, which also revealed the regiment’s insignia, which retains the visual style of the corps units.

The insignia features a pointed chevron in a neon green and black colour scheme. At its centre is a mirrored geometric design forming a compact, stylised long-range drone silhouette, reflecting the unit’s unmanned systems role.

Advancement of the Corps Structure

The 2nd Khartia Corps, in general, over the last month has, as previously mentioned, spearheaded and massively scaled its operational capabilities, including the establishment of a new assault regiment formed on the basis of a battalion within the Khartia Brigade, and the formation of an artillery brigade at the corps-level.

Such advancements are likely to emerge within the 1st Azov Corps, where the Pilum Unmanned Systems Battalion will likely be expanded in the future.

Altogether, these developments illustrate a clear approach to restructuring and improving the combat capabilities of the two combat corps. Prioritizing combat-effective units and integrating subunits, supplemented with additional personnel allow the units to retain cohesion and operational effectiveness to the best of their capabilities.