29 april, 2026 | 22

The enemy is launching more and more drones, but Azov keeps the skies over the Donetsk region clear

The Russian side has continued to scale up strike drone operations across all types. The occupiers have not gone a single day without launching UAVs against both the Ukrainian Defense Forces and the civilian population. The more drones the enemy sends, the higher the air defense kill count of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.

In April, the air defense assets of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine destroyed the following:

fixed-wing strike UAVs: 3,585;
fixed-wing reconnaissance UAVs: 156;
rotary-wing strike UAVs: 416;
rotary-wing reconnaissance UAVs: 114.

The video features April combat results of FPV interceptor pilots from the air defense units of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine:

Thousands of drones never reached Ukrainian positions or the homes of civilians, thanks to the coordinated work of air defense and electronic warfare assets that detect and destroy aerial targets before they can strike.

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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 enemy is launching more and more drones, but Azov keeps the skies over the Donetsk region clear

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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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