Unmanned Systems Battalion

Unmanned Systems Battalion is a linear unit of the Azov Brigade.

The unit was initially formed in late 2023 as an Unmanned Systems Company, which gained experience during the defense of the Serebryansky Forest and Terny in the Kreminna direction.

Over time, the unit began to absorb highly experienced personnel, including the current battalion commander Stepan Vitkovskyi, who emerged from the ranks of the 55th Rifle Battalion and the 54th Mechanized Brigade during the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

In early 2024, the company continued to expand its drone capabilities with strike drones and heavy bombers to help coordinate and improve infantry operations on the frontline.

Between September and October 2024, the Unmanned Systems Company was expanded into a full-on Unmanned Systems Battalion, which was announced by the brigade itself.

In April 2025, following the creation of the 1st Azov Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard, which was formed on the basis of the Azov Brigade, much of the combat core of the battalion was moved to the corps-level to help form a new Unmanned Systems Battalion, which would later become known as Pilum Battalion.

In May 2025, Vitkovskyi, who had previously commanded an Unmanned Systems Company within the battalion since September 2024, became the commander of the Unmanned Systems Battalion.

As of April 2026, the battalion has begun to scale the usage of Unmanned Ground Robotic Systems and Complexes into its ranks, and has now formed an entirely dedicated Unmanned Ground Robotics Company as part of the growing innovation.

Insignia

The insignia follows the brigade’s traditional pointed chevron design, featuring the brigade’s inscription at the peak of the chevron. At its core lies a stylized Idea of the Nation symbol containing an upward-pointing arrow with a technical motif. The arrow evokes consistently moving forward with innovation and pushing back the occupying forces.