422nd Unmanned Systems Battalion (Ukraine)
422nd Unmanned Systems Battalion “Luftwaffe” (Ukraine)
The 422nd Unmanned Systems Battalion, nicknamed “Luftwaffe,” is a unit of Ukraine’s Ground Forces and part of the 17th Army Corps. It is based in Kryvyi Rih and focuses on drone warfare, including aerial reconnaissance, drone strikes, ground drones, and cargo transport.
Origins and role
- The unit began in February 2022 at the start of Russia’s invasion, created as the 129th “Luftwaffe” Unmanned Systems Division of the 129th Heavy Mechanized Brigade. It was formed mostly from civilian volunteers.
- Its mission is to use unmanned systems for reconnaissance and combat, including FPV drone strikes and transporting supplies.
What it has done
- Early operations included breaking up Russian columns near Bashtanka and supporting actions around Kryvyi Rih, Inhulets, and Tykhy Stav. It cooperated with the 80th Airmobile Brigade and the 17th Tank Brigade, performed aerial reconnaissance in southern Ukraine, and took part in the 2022 Kherson counteroffensive.
- The unit has fought in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia regions and has faced heavy combat, including ambushes by enemy tanks.
Equipment and impacts
- By July 2024, the battalion reported destroying multiple enemy air defenses (Buk M1, Tor, Pantsir-S1, 9K33 Osa, 9K35 Strela-10) and EW systems (Borisoglebsk-2, R-330Zh Zhitel, Polye-21, Lyer-3).
- It also targeted enemy MLRS and artillery (BM-27 Uragan, BM-21 Grad) and counter-battery systems such as Zoopark-1, plus Msta-S self-propelled artillery.
- Its reconnaissance unit detected nearly 4,000 targets and destroyed about 300; its strike group reportedly destroyed more than 500 targets. The battalion has used Athlon Avia A1-CM Furia and Leleka-100 drones in operations.
Key 2024 developments
- On July 19, 2024, Zaporizhzhia authorities handed the unit a large infusion of gear, including EW systems, thermal imaging gear, night vision, DJI Mavic 3 drones, radios, laptops, and antennas.
- On July 31, 2024, the unit was expanded into the 422nd Battalion within the 17th Army Corps.
- In July 2024, it identified a major Russian gathering at a Zaporizhzhia training ground; that site was attacked with cluster munitions on August 9, 2024.
- A soldier died off-duty on August 22, 2024, from a cardiac arrest tied to combat activity.
- The battalion continued fighting in Zaporizhzhia Oblast through October 2024.
2025 and beyond
- In March 2025, the unit began a recruitment drive and continued operations against Russian forces, reporting ongoing strikes on personnel and equipment.
- On June 13, 2025, it said it inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces, including personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
- A soldier died from combat-related wounds on August 2, 2025. On August 14, 2025, the battalion reported discovering Russian looting of grain in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Current status
- The 422nd Unmanned Systems Battalion remains part of Ukraine’s Ground Forces within the 17th Army Corps, continuing its drone-based reconnaissance and combat roles, with Kryvyi Rih as its home base.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 23:24 (CET).