The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces continue to degrade Russia’s military-technological capabilities deep behind the front lines. Recently, operators of the 413th Separate Regiment “Reid” successfully struck a complex of facilities belonging to the Russian Special Purpose Center “Bars-Sarmat”. The attack took place deep within the temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia region, near the coast of the Sea of Azov.
According to official reports, the precision strike successfully hit the enemy’s temporary deployment point and specialized workshops. These facilities were heavily utilized by Russian engineers and military personnel to produce, equip, and test various types of reconnaissance and strike drones, ground robotic complexes, and electronic warfare (EW) systems.
The Strategic Importance of “Bars-Sarmat”
The “Bars-Sarmat” Center (also known as “Bars-37”) is not just a standard military unit. It is a large-scale volunteer structure within the Russian army, boasting the personnel strength of a full brigade. Operating under the umbrella of Russia’s newly formed Unmanned Systems Forces, it plays a critical role in the development, combat testing, and deployment of advanced unmanned technologies.
Military analysts consider “Bars-Sarmat” to be one of the most dangerous structures in the Russian military. It effectively operates as a hybrid entity, combining elite special forces, a field group of highly qualified engineers, and a functioning military-industrial facility under one roof. The center was established in 2024 as part of the “Combat Army Reserve of the Country” (BARS) project, which serves as a tool for the covert mobilization of technical specialists. The unit is commanded by Dmitry Rogozin, the former head of the Roscosmos space agency, who now acts as the self-proclaimed “senator” of the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukraine Scales Up Its Own Drone Production
While Ukrainian forces systematically destroy Russian research and production hubs, Ukraine’s own defense industry is rapidly expanding. Recently, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine codified and authorized the military use of the new domestically produced “Shvidun” interceptor drone.
The “Shvidun” unmanned aerial system was specifically designed to hunt down and destroy Russian strike drones like the Shahed-136, “Geran”, and “Gerbera”, as well as reconnaissance UAVs such as Zala and Supercam. Built from durable composite materials, the drone can climb to an altitude of 6 kilometers and reach speeds exceeding 250 km/h. Its operational range of over 70 kilometers makes it an essential tool for protecting the airspace over Ukrainian cities. Military officials report that Ukrainian forces have already used the “Shvidun” interceptor to eliminate around a hundred enemy drones.
By striking critical Russian hubs like “Bars-Sarmat” while simultaneously deploying innovative domestic solutions like the “Shvidun”, Ukraine is proving its ability to maintain a technological edge. The systematic destruction of enemy infrastructure deep in the rear remains a cornerstone of Ukraine’s strategy to neutralize the aggressor’s capabilities.