History
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 transfering their expertise to personnel in active formations and military units. Additionally, the center aims to prepare UAV 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]
Organization
According to the Foreign Policy Research Institute, as of spring 2025, the unit comprised seven squads of 130–150 personnel each. These squads are specialized; some focus on operating FPV or Molniya drones, while others concentrate on intercepting Ukrainian reconnaissance or heavy bomber drones. The squads are deployed to various sectors to reinforce local forces and train their UAV detachments.
According to a 17 September 2025 report by Radio Liberty, the unit is headquartered within the exhibition halls of Patriot Park in Moscow Oblast. It is commanded by Guards Colonel Sergei Budnikov, the former Chief of Staff of the 9th Guards Artillery Brigade. Recruits are selected in Moscow before being assigned to their respective squads for training. [2]
Operations
According to Lostarmour, an OSINT analysys website, as of 17 September 2025, Rubicon drone operators have conducted more than 7,478 strikes, including drone interceptions. [5]
The unit was first deployed to Kursk Oblast, where it played a significant role in disrupting Ukrainian supply routes, aiding Russian forces in pushing the AFU out of the area. Since January 2025, the unit has been active in the Belgorod, Kypiansk, Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, Vuhledar, and South Donetsk directions. From May 2025, the unit has been operating mostly in Donetsk Oblast, supporting the Russian offensive. [6] [2]
Ukrainian troops interviewed by NYT 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. [7] [8]
According to the FPRI, the unit has strong signals 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]
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