13 january, 2026 | 195

The unmanned systems battalion is a key strike force of the corps

The Commander of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, Colonel Denys “Redis” Prokopenko, presented fighters with unit patches and state decorations during an award ceremony.

Azov servicemen received the highest internal distinctions of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine and the Unmanned Systems Battalion — corps patches and battalion patches.
They were also awarded the Presidential Decoration “For Military Service to Ukraine” and the Presidential Decoration “For the Defense of Ukraine.”

Today, the overall effectiveness of Ukraine’s Defense Forces depends significantly on the performance of its unmanned systems units. This is why the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is currently placing strong emphasis on developing this capability.

Technology, expertise, skills, and the ambition of the fighters must turn the tide of the war.

The Corps Commander wished the servicemen to fully realize their potential on the battlefield and to implement all plans for the unit’s development in 2026.

Командир 1 корпусу НГУ «Азов», полковник Денис «Редіс» Прокопенко вручає шеврон бійцю

Шеврони 1 корпусу НГУ «Азов» та батальйону безпілотних систем на військовій формі

Шикування бійців батальйону безпілотних систем перед командиром 1 корпусу НГУ «Азов», полковником Денисом Прокопенко

Батальйон безпілотних систем на вручені шевронів корпусу

1 corps ngu azov awarding soldiers azov azov chevrons corps azov denys prokopenko national guard of ukraine unmanned systems battalion батальйон безпілотних систем ББС Денис Прокопенко

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FAQ

Unlike the operational and tactical group model, a corps commander can exercise command and control over subordinate units.

The corps system enables more efficient management of combat forces at the operational-tactical level. It addresses the issue of fragmented command structures, strengthens unit cohesion, improves combat effectiveness, and ensures a unified chain of command — critical for conducting large-scale combat operations.

The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is responsible for key tasks related to both defensive and offensive operations in the frontline sector designated by the High Command, including:

Liberating the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine;
Destroying enemy personnel and equipment;
Increasing the combat effectiveness of National Guard units and advancing the profession of arms;
Implementing standards and exchanging experience.

The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is commanded by Brigadier General Denys “Redis” Prokopenko.

The following units operate as part of the corps:

1st Presidential Operational Brigade “Bureviy”;
8th Artillery Brigade “Harmash”;
12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”;
14th Operational Brigade “Chervona Kalyna”;
15th Operational Brigade “Kara Dag”;
20th Operational Brigade “Lubart”.

Yes. Units within the corps continue recruiting volunteers. As Azov’s responsibilities and operational scope grow, its recruitment center network will serve the needs of all Corps units. Azov Brigade’s recruitment centers will now be joined by representatives from other brigades that make up the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.

The 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov serves as the foundation for the newly established First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine. However, the corps itself is led by a corps-level command group formed based on the officer cadre of the 12th Brigade.

The unmanned systems battalion is a key strike force of the corps

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FAQ

Why was the corps system introduced?

What tasks will the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine carry out?

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Does the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine recruit new service members?

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Denys “Redis” Prokopenko – brigadier general