The Evolution of Ukraine's HAWKS Brigade: Drones in Action

“The First Unmanned Systems Unit in the Armed Forces of Ukraine”: 4 Years of the “Hawks” — From the Defense of Kyiv to the Kursk Region (video)

10/26/2026

Four years ago, the first drones of the “HAWKS” (Yastruby) took to the skies. The commander of the 411th Unmanned Systems Brigade discusses the unit’s journey—from the defense of Kyiv to the Kursk region—and what lies ahead.

The 411th Unmanned Systems Brigade, known as the “HAWKS,” was the first unit of its kind established within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Over the past four years, they have participated in the defense of Kyiv, the incursion into the Kursk region, and operations in the Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The brigade fights using advanced technology: FPV drones, fixed-wing UAVs, ground-based robotic systems, electronic warfare (EW), and specialized communications.