426th Unmanned Systems Battalion (Ukraine)
| 426th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion | |
|---|---|
| 426 окремий батальйон безпілотних систем | |
 Battalion insignia | |
| Active | 2022-present |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch |  Ukrainian Marine Corps |
| Type | Battalion |
| Role | Unmanned Systems Forces |
| Size | 300+ |
| Part of |  Marine Corps 30th Amphibious Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | Mykolaiv |
| Motto(s) | "Unity in thought, strength in action!" |
| Engagements | Russo-Ukrainian War |
The 426th Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems is a military unit of the Ukrainian Marine Corps, operationally under the command of the 30th Marine Corps. The Battalion was established on 29 October 2024 and is based in Mykolaiv, it has seen combat during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
History
[edit]It was established on 29 October 2024 as a separate Unmanned Systems battalion of the Ukrainian Marine Corps.[1] In November 2024, the battalion was conducting a recruitment and public relations campaign in Mykolaiv,[2] aiming to recruit 300 personnel.[3] In January 2025, the battalion was reported to be using Ukrspecsystems Shark[4] and EW resistant Ukrspecsystems PD-2 UAVs.[5] On 24 February 2025, it released a video showcasing the destruction of a Russian 2S4 Tyulpan using kamikaze and bomber UAVs in southern Ukraine,[6] four FPV drones attempted a strike but only one was able to hit the target and immobilize it which was followed by a strike from a bomber UAV destroying it completely.[7] In March 2025, the battalion was also reported to be utilizing DeViRo Leleka-100 and BpAK-100 UAVs and conducting reconnaissance, artillery positioning and direct strikes.[8][9]
Equipment
[edit]| Model | Image | Origin | Type | Number | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicle | |||||
| DJI Mavic | 
|
 China
|
FPV drone | ||
| DeViRo Leleka-100 ("Stork") |
|
Ukraine
|
Air reconnaissance/loitering munition | ||
| Ukrspecsystems Shark | 
|
Ukraine
|
Air reconnaissance | ||
| Ukrspecsystems Mini Shark | Ukraine
|
Air reconnaissance | |||
| Ukrspecsystems PD-2 | 
|
Ukraine
|
Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle/Bomber UAV | ||
| BpAk-100 | Ukraine
|
||||
References
[edit]- ^ "Marines created unmanned systems battalion". MilitaryLand.net. October 29, 2024.
- ^ "У Миколаєві представники підрозділів безпілотних систем та Центру рекрутингу ВМС ЗСУ зустрілися з мешканцями міста". news.pn.
- ^ "Миколаївці взяли участь у формуванні нового підрозділу ЗСУ (ФОТО)".
- ^ "Interview with the commander of the 426th Battalion of Unmanned Systems | UKRSPECSYSTEMS - UAV/UAS and payloads development". ukrspecsystems.com. January 25, 2025.
- ^ "Розвідувальний дрон PD-2 виявляє "жирні" цілі, але має суттєвий недолік (відео)". News.Telegraf. December 23, 2024.
- ^ "The Ukrainian Navy Shows the Destruction of russian 2S4 Tyulpan Mortar in a Precision Strike (Video) | Defense Express". en.defence-ua.com.
- ^ "Ukrainian Defense Forces Destroyed Russian 2S4 Tulip".
- ^ "«Очі війни»: історія командира взводу БПАК, який нищить ворога з неба". armyinform.com.ua.
- ^ "Коротко про головне від командира роти 426 окремий батальйон безпілотних систем на позивний «Кот»". malva.tv. March 16, 2025.