Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU

The first and leading unit within the SBGS system to focus exclusively on unmanned systems. Most of its pilots have infantry experience, giving them a clear understanding of how critical aerial cover is for protecting comrades on the ground

History

In December 2022, a core group was formed within the Luhansk Border Detachment. Under the leadership of Dmytro Oleksiuk, it engaged the enemy during the defense of Bakhmut. In May 2023, this core became the basis for the 2nd Rapid Response Border Commandant’s Office “Fenix” — an infantry unit that included dedicated drone operators within its structure.

In late summer 2024, the Rapid Response Border Commandant’s Office for reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial systems “Fenix” was established — the first combat formation of unmanned systems within the structure of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

In January 2025, the Fenix unit was scaled up to regimental level. Its success was recognized at the highest level, and the drone operators joined forces with four other prominent UAS regiments within the presidential initiative “Drone Line”. In February of the same year, the unit was further expanded into the Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Fenix”.

Dmytro “Zemliak” Oleksiuk

Hero of Ukraine, Colonel.

In 2013, he graduated from the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and began his service at the Milove Border Guard Division of the Luhansk Border Guard Detachment.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, he has taken direct part in combat operations, defending Kreminna, Lyman, Sviatohirsk, and Bakhmut.

He has been awarded the Medal “Defender of the Fatherland,” the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, III and II Class, and the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Gold Star.

Unit Advantages

“Fenix” stands for rebirth and change. We proved ourselves in ground combat and chose the path of transformation. Having experienced the trenches firsthand, we understand better than anyone what our comrades on the ground face. We know how vital it is for them to have reliable cover from the air.

The priority of the Fenix unit is the safety of its personnel. Against the enemy’s tactics of mass assaults, we counter with intelligence.

Latest unit vacancies

Unit	Position	Type	Salary (UAH)
Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU	Senior UAV operator	Combat Roles	20 000-120 000	Respond
Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU	System administrator	Non-Combat Roles	20 000-50 000	Respond
Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU	Satellite communications specialist	Combat Roles	20 000-120 000	Respond
Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU	Multirotor UAV operator	Combat Roles	20 000-120 000	Respond
Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU	UGV operator	Combat Roles	20 000-120 000	Respond
Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems “Phoenix” of the SBGSU	Strike drone operator	Combat Roles	20 000-120 000	Respond