 | A request that this article title be changed toRubicon (UAV unit)Rubicon (UAV unit) isunder discussion. Pleasedo not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
| Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies "Rubicon" | |
|---|---|
| Центр перспективных беспилотных технологий "Рубикон" | |
 Emblem of the unit | |
| Active | 2 August 2024 – present |
| Country |  Russia |
| Type | Drone warfare |
| Size | ~5,000 |
| Part of |  Unmanned Systems Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Patriot Park,Kubinka |
| Engagements | Russian invasion of Ukraine |
TheCenter for Advanced Unmanned Technologies "Rubicon" is a Russian military unit formed in August of 2024 on the orders ofRussian Defence MinisterAndrey Belousov. It is specialised indrone warfare and has been engaged in theRussian invasion of Ukraine, fighting in different sections of the front. The unit has been widely described as one of the most effective drone warfare units in Russia.[2]
Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies "Rubicon" was established in August 2024, following the directive of Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov. The primary objective of the center was to train highly skilled instructors in the realm of unmanned aviation, with the aim of transferring their expertise to personnel in active formations and military units. Additionally, the center aims to prepareunmanned aerial vehicle operators for combat operations, both individually and as part of teams.[3]
The center also develops and tests advanced drone systems and their implementation and conducts research into the field of artificial intelligence and explores how it can be utilized in robotic systems.[3]
The existence of Rubicon first became known in October 2024, when Belousov visited the center.[4]
According to theForeign Policy Research Institute, as of spring 2025, the unit comprised seven squads of 130–150 personnel each. These squads are specialized; some focus on operatingFPV or Molniya drones, while others concentrate on intercepting Ukrainian reconnaissance orheavy bomber drones. The squads are deployed to various sectors to reinforce local forces and train their UAV detachments.[2] As of November 2025, the unit size was estimated at around 5,000 servicemen.[5]
According to a 17 September 2025 report byRadio Liberty, the unit is headquartered within the exhibition halls ofPatriot Park inMoscow Oblast. It is commanded by Guards Colonel Sergei Budnikov, the formerChief of Staff of the9th Guards Artillery Brigade. Recruits are selected in Moscow before being assigned to their respective squads for training.[2]
According to Lostarmour, anOSINT analysys website, as of 27 October 2025, Rubicon drone operators have conducted at least 10,007 strikes, including drone interceptions.[6]
The unit was first deployed toKursk Oblast, where it played a significant role in disrupting Ukrainian supply routes, aiding Russian forces in pushing theAFU out of the area. Since January 2025, the unit has been active in the Belgorod, Kupiansk, Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, Vuhledar, and South Donetsk directions. From May 2025, the unit has been operating mostly in Donetsk Oblast, supporting the Russian offensive.[7][2] Rubicon provided support for Russian unitsinfiltrating Pokrovsk.[5]
Ukrainian troops interviewed byNYT emphasize that Rubicon drone unit has dramatically shifted the battlefield, relentlessly striking supply lines and vehicles up to 15 kilometers behind the front—a tactical edge Kyiv struggles to counter. "The game changed when they came here," said one American volunteer, as Ukrainian forces face escalating losses and disrupted operations under Rubicon’s precision attacks.[8][9]
The unit reportedly focuses on targeting Ukrainian drone operators and logistics rather than frontline infantry.[5] According to theFPRI, the unit has strongsignals intelligence capabilities, which allows it to locate and strike Ukrainian drones and their operators, reportedly destroying up to 70% of UAV positions in some areas.[2]
Rubicon unit reportedly uses following equipment:[4][2]
