Ukraine's daring drone rescue: Liberating captives from afar
Ukrainians are endeavouring to rescue their people in various ways. One of the more intriguing methods was the exclusive use of drones by soldiers from the 1st Independent Armoured Brigade to liberate Ukrainian prisoners from Russian captivity. Here’s how the operation proceeded and what equipment was utilised.
As observed in the video below, published by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, three Ukrainian prisoners are being escorted by five Russians. Aware of how appallingly the Russians treat prisoners, if they don't execute them promptly, the Ukrainians resolved to attempt a rescue using only drones.
An observation drone fitted with a thermal imaging camera oversaw the operation, and "Baba Yaga" type bombing drones dropped bombs on the Russians furthest from the prisoners. Some Russian soldiers were hit, and the remainder fled. Another drone then guided the freed Ukrainians to a safe location.
Drones are used by both Ukrainians and Russians as a substitute for virtually every task, from kinetic attacks on tanks and individual soldiers to delivering medical aid to the wounded and disrupting the enemy’s logistics at the rear.
"Baba Yaga" drones - a multifunctional design of civilian origin
The term "Baba Yaga" refers to civilian drones modified for warfare. The base models of these drones often include agricultural or transportation models, such as the DJI FlyCart 30. Drones of this class are typically capable of flying at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres and have ranges of 19 to 30 kilometres, with a carrying capacity of up to 30 kilograms.
This allows them to carry either a single large bomb or several smaller ones, based on mortar shells or 3d-printed casings filled with explosive material obtained from dismantling unexploded ordnance. A pair of these drones, especially when equipped with thermal vision, can effectively devastate Russian positions, as has occurred repeatedly.
"Baba Yaga" drones are also used to transport robo-dogs or FPV drones. Additionally, hunter drones have also emerged, equipped with single-shot rifles, allowing them to shoot down enemy drones.
