The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has developed and is actively employing advanced unmanned technologies to destroy enemy equipment and manpower both on the frontline and deep within Russia’s territory. These systems also effectively counter enemy reconnaissance drones.
SBU Head Vasyl Malyuk announced this during his speech at the Ukraine. Year 2025 forum.
“We operate at sea, along the frontline, and beyond. Following the task set by the President of Ukraine, we developed specialized methodologies and tactics for unmanned systems. Our trained operators and advanced equipment cover every operational range,” Malyuk stated.
According to him, drone operations are structured by range: up to 20 km, 20 to 40 km, 40 to 80 km, and 80 to 120 km. For strikes beyond 120 km, the SBU deploys long-range drones.
Successful Strikes Behind Enemy Lines
Malyuk reported that, in cooperation with the Defence Forces, the SBU has already destroyed 48 enemy ammunition depots, arsenals, airfields, and other military facilities within Russia. A key focus remains strikes on the Russian oil refining sector, which finances the ongoing war against Ukraine.
“This is what sets our strikes on refineries supporting the Russian military-industrial complex apart from Russia’s missile attacks on Ukraine, which constitute acts of genocide against civilians,” Malyuk emphasized.
He further noted that Ukrainian drone strikes have inflicted multibillion-dollar losses on Russia’s oil refining and extraction industries.
Countering Russian Reconnaissance Drones
The SBU has also developed effective tactics to neutralize Russian reconnaissance drones such as Zala, Supercam, Orlan, and Lancet.
“We are taking down $100,000 Russian drones with $700 FPV drones. On some days, we destroyed more than 20 enemy drones in the Kursk sector alone,” Malyuk revealed.
Securing Dominance in the Black Sea
In 2024, the SBU prevented Russia from regaining dominance in the Black Sea. Ukrainian maritime drones have been upgraded into multi-purpose platforms capable of carrying machine guns, FPV drones, and remote mining systems.
“During a recent mission, we hit a Russian barge transporting military equipment in the Kerch Bay. Our drones traveled 700 km, two-thirds of the way under constant fire from enemy aircraft. Thanks to advanced systems and artificial intelligence, the mission succeeded,” Malyuk said.
Combating Internal Threats
The SBU continues to counter Russian intelligence networks inside Ukraine. Over the past three years, 102 agent networks have been exposed, and more than 3,000 criminal cases on high treason have been initiated.
“The operational situation remains under control, but everything depends on our unity. We must concentrate our efforts, endure the coming weeks and months, and achieve the results Ukraine needs,” Malyuk concluded.