Soldiers from the Special Operations Center “A” of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have recently been the recipients of over 25,000 drones, courtesy of the Come Back Alive Foundation. This significant delivery represents the largest single drone transfer in the charity’s history, showcasing its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense initiatives.
The drone shipment includes a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ranging from first-person-view (FPV) attack quadcopters to more sophisticated fixed-wing systems. Among the notable equipment are the Ukrainian-produced Baton drones, specifically designed for strike missions with FPV guidance, emphasizing their tactical versatility.
The foundation has indicated that more deliveries are on the horizon, suggesting a continued effort to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. Last year alone, the Come Back Alive Foundation provided a diverse array of equipment to the armed forces, which included eight 120-mm mortar systems and four Iveco trucks for the 22nd Mechanized Brigade. This past year, the package was valued at approximately $280,000 and was largely funded by the state energy operator, Ukrenergo.
In addition to drones, the charity has been proactive in supplying weapons. In 2023, it provided 1,000 40-mm ATGL-L3 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, sourced through a fundraising initiative that successfully garnered around $4.3 million.
The UAV units of the SBU Special Operations Center “A,” also known as Alpha, are part of a specialized operational formation dedicated to counter-terrorism and high-risk operations. Amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, the unit has engaged in frontline and long-range strike missions that utilize drone technology effectively. They have targeted military infrastructure and key locations behind enemy lines, contributing significantly to the war effort.
According to the unit’s own statistics, their operations have led to the destruction of enemy equipment valued at over $5.5 billion. Furthermore, official data reveals that Alpha’s drone teams have consistently ranked among the top UAV units in terms of operational efficacy. Notably, during the “Web” operation last June, Alpha’s FPV drones successfully struck 41 Russian strategic aircraft, which were collectively valued at around $7 billion.
As the conflict continues, the addition of these drones is expected to enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian forces, allowing for more sophisticated and effective operations against adversary targets.
