422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment "Luftwaffe"

On February 20, 2026, the 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion "Luftwaffe" was reorganized into the 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment "Luftwaffe," commanded by Major Mykola Kolesnyk. Most of the servicemen at the origins of "Luftwaffe" were civilians who had neither aerial reconnaissance experience nor prior military service. The regiment's main specialization is aerial reconnaissance, adjusting artillery fire, and striking the enemy using UAVs. Since its creation, the regiment has been actively operating in the Zaporizhzhia direction, and has also taken part in combat operations in the Mykolaiv, Kherson, Novopavlivka, Avdiivka, and Sumy directions.

422 OPBpS "Luftwaffe" traces its origins to 2022 as a drone platoon within the 129th Territorial Defense Brigade. The unit took part in the liberation of Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts, and defended the Nikopol coastline. In 2023, it was expanded into a strike UAV company and fought in Sumy Oblast and in the Avdiivka and Novopavlivka directions. In 2024, a separate unmanned systems battalion was created on the basis of the company. On February 20, 2026, the 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion "Luftwaffe" was reorganized into the 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment "Luftwaffe," which currently operates in the Zaporizhzhia direction. The regiment specializes in reconnaissance, drone strikes, and the technological reimagining of warfare.

headquarters
line battalions
electronic warfare units
technical support and repair units
logistics units
special units

Light FPV drones;
large reconnaissance fixed-wing drones;
heavy bombers.

The 422nd Unmanned Systems Regiment "Luftwaffe" is driven by a spirit of innovation and continuous development. Here, it is believed that the future of war belongs to technology, not mass casualties. One of the unit's main traditions is training to modern NATO standards. The regiment's soldiers are not just operators but also developers, engineers, and strategists who improve the equipment themselves. The regiment values initiative, creativity, and a willingness to take responsibility. Another tradition is constant interaction with combat units to achieve the most precise and effective strikes against the enemy. Newcomers are welcomed with respect and guided through a system of individualized training. Here, it is believed that Ukrainian victory is the result of the strength of the mind, not just the strength of weapons.