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during mass missile attacks. These
losses highlight Ukraine's insufficient air
defenses, which Western allies have not
been able to supply in adequate numbers,
even after 3.5 years of war. Toward the
end of the monitoring period, U.S. Defense
Secretary Pete Hegseth again halted
military aid shipments, including Patriot
missiles — a unilateral decision made
despite analysis showing U.S. stockpiles
were not at risk. The U.S. had earlier
redirected deliveries of 70mm APKWS
laser-guided rockets — highly effective
and low-cost anti-drone weapons — to
the Middle East. A single F-16 armed with
these can destroy dozens of drones per
sortie. Each pod holds seven rockets, and
an F-16 can carry three pods per pylon
on up to four pylons — up to 84 APKWS
rockets total. But Israel’s operations in
Iran were prioritized over protecting
Ukrainian civilians, who continue to die
almost every night.
A Hungarian in Command
Finally, one notable development:
In June 2024, Ukraine officially
created the Unmanned Systems Forces
as an independent branch of its Armed
Forces. This marks the ninth such branch,
alongside Ground Forces, Naval Infantry,
Navy, Air Force, Air Assault, Special
Operations, Territorial Defense, and
Medical Forces.
On June 3rd, Major Robert Brovdi —
known by the nickname "The Hungarian"
— was appointed as commander of the
drone forces. A native of Uzhhorod in
the Zakarpattia region and of Hungarian
ethnicity, he joined the Territorial
Defense right before the Russian
invasion in February 2022 and fought
in Kyiv, Irpin, and Bucha. Drawing on his
business background, he raised funds and
procured the first drones for his unit. His
operators, known as “The Hungarian’s
Birds,” were deployed to key frontline
areas. In May 2025, Brovdi was awarded
the title Hero of Ukraine and soon after
became commander of the drone forces.
He has promised sweeping reforms within
three months to improve logistics and
effectiveness.
Russian “proof” of destroyed F-16s at an airbase. (How many flaws you can find?)
Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko killed
on June 29th in his F-16 while repelling
a Russian air raid.
Ukrainian Su-27 fighters
of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade.
UKRAINE
INFO Eduard32
August 2025