diff --git a/scripts/verify-battle-scenario-data.mjs b/scripts/verify-battle-scenario-data.mjs
index 3665d90..42e269f 100644
--- a/scripts/verify-battle-scenario-data.mjs
+++ b/scripts/verify-battle-scenario-data.mjs
@@ -332,6 +332,11 @@ function validateSortie(errors, scenario, classKeys, formationRoles, terrainRule
       errors.push(`${context}: required unit "${unitId}" must have an explicit deployment slot`);
     }
   });
+  recommendedUnitIds.forEach((unitId) => {
+    if (!deploymentUnitIds.has(unitId)) {
+      errors.push(`${context}: recommended unit "${unitId}" must have an explicit deployment slot`);
+    }
+  });
 }
 
 function validateRewards(errors, scenario, scenarioIds, itemNames, knownRewardUnitIds, context) {