Drones of defiance: Ukrainians use tech to free captives
Ukrainians are finding various ways to rescue their people. One of the more intriguing methods involved using drones exclusively by soldiers from the 1st Independent Armoured Brigade to free Ukrainian prisoners from Russian captivity. Here's how the operation unfolded and what equipment was utilized.
As shown in the video below, released by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, three Ukrainian prisoners are being escorted by five Russians. Given the notorious treatment of prisoners by the Russians, including the possibility of immediate execution, the Ukrainians chose to attempt a rescue using only drones.
An observation drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera monitored the operation, while "Baba Yaga" type bombing drones dropped explosives on the Russian soldiers who were furthest from the prisoners. Some Russian soldiers were hit, causing the others to flee. Another drone then guided the freed Ukrainians to a safe location.
Drones are utilized by both Ukrainians and Russians as versatile tools for a wide range of tasks, from direct attacks on tanks and individual soldiers to delivering medical supplies to the wounded and disrupting enemy logistics behind the lines.
"Baba Yaga" drones - a multifunctional design of civilian origin
The term "Baba Yaga" refers to civilian drones adapted for professional use in warfare. These drones often originate from agricultural or transport models like the DJI FlyCart 30. Drones of this nature typically can fly at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres and cover distances of 20 to 30 kilometres, with a carrying capacity of up to 30 kilograms.
This allows them to transport either single large bombs or several smaller ones, often constructed using mortar shells or 3d-printed casings filled with explosive material sourced from dismantled unexploded ordnance. A few of these drones, especially equipped with thermal vision, can effectively devastate Russian positions, a feat that has been accomplished multiple times.
"Baba Yaga" drones are also used to carry robo-dogs or FPV drones, and hunter drones have emerged, equipped with single-shot rifles, which enable them to shoot down enemy drones.
