Vampire drones: Ukraine's nocturnal threat intensifies in Donbas
Their task is to effectively attack the enemy, excelling particularly in assaulting accessible targets. Ukrainian Vampire drones are striking Russian positions in the Donbas with great success. These drones are not only effective and precise but are also capable of conducting up to 27 combat missions in a single night.
According to Defense Express, the Ukrainian army is intensively deploying Vampire drones, also known as Baba Yaga. This nickname emerged due to their effectiveness and significant impact on Russian forces. These heavy hexacopters are especially effective during night operations, targeting Russian infantry and fortified positions. The Russian army is continuously attempting to develop its own version of these highly efficient devices.
In the Donbas region, Vampire drones are used to attack Russian soldiers hiding in bunkers or trenches. While they have the capability to attack enemy vehicles, operators note that FPV drones generally perform better in destroying Russian armour. Furthermore, Vampire drones are employed round the clock, with operators recalling nights when up to 27 combat missions were executed.
Versatility of Vampire drones
In addition to direct attacks, Vampire drones are utilised for tasks such as delivering supplies to front lines that are otherwise inaccessible. Ukrainian soldiers have reported instances where a drone was used to extinguish fires caused by Russian attacks, equipped with special water capsules that were precisely dropped onto the flames.
Due to their high effectiveness in eliminating the enemy, Russian forces are making concerted efforts to locate the operators of Vampire drones.
Baba Yaga drones currently pose the greatest threat to Russian positions. The equipment can carry about 44 pounds and operates at an altitude of 650 to 1,300 feet. These machines are particularly dangerous during night attacks when they are virtually undetectable by opponents. The drones also use Starlink terminals, which render them resistant to interference and enable them to operate within a range of 12 to 19 miles at low altitude. Besides bombing, this equipment acts as flying signal boosters for smaller units.
