In March 2026, Ukraine launched more drones into Russian territory in a single month than Russia launched into Ukraine. The 1st Unmanned Aerial Systems Center accounts for more than half of that number. Oleksandr — the head of analytical department — explains the full chain: from mission order and logistics to post-mission reporting and how his team eliminates every bottleneck in between.
The 1st Center is something unprecedented in military history. What started as a battalion in 2022 - the first unit in the world to operate drones simultaneously across tactical, operational, and strategic levels — has grown into a center-level structure launching thousands of drones per month.
Oleksandr Sukhoi spent 25 years building software teams across Europe. Then in late 2024, he made the same choice as thousands of other Ukrainians: he traded his civilian career for military service. Today he heads the analytical department of the 1st Center - the unit responsible for more than half of all Ukrainian deep strikes into Russian territory. This is Episode №1 of Defence Forward podcast, where we go inside Ukraine's fighting machine.
At peak impact, the 1st UAS Center had disrupted 30-40% of Russia's oil export capacity. Oleksandr explains the psychological dimension too: Russian propagandists openly started saying the war should end. That signal is tracked, measured, and factored into how operations are planned.
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Key moments:
00:00 Introduction to Alexander Suchy and His Role

03:15 Transition from IT to Military Service

06:22 Understanding Deep Strike Operations

09:06 Analyzing the Impact of Deep Strikes

12:26 Counteroffensive Measures and Tactical Adjustments

15:20 The Dynamics of Warfare and Future Predictions

18:11 Target Selection and Strategic Planning

21:28 Drone Warfare: Tactics and Countermeasures

24:17 Training and Resources for Effective Defense

29:38 Collaboration and Resource Allocation in Warfare

34:02 Feedback Loops and Real-Time Adjustments

36:38 Electronic Warfare: Challenges and Adaptations

38:58 Innovations in Drone Technology

41:02 Russia's Adaptation and Information Warfare

42:06 After Action Reviews and Strategic Insights

43:29 The Psychological Impact of Strikes

44:51 Targeting Moscow: Risks and Rewards

47:02 Long-Term Impact of Strikes on Russian Economy

48:37 Fundraising and Resource Needs

51:30 The Broader Implications of the War

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