Ukraine’s Drones Strike Deep Behind Russian Lines

Ukraine’s Drones Strike Deep Behind Russian Lines

On the southern front, Ukraine is increasingly using heavy bomber drones to push back Russian forces. These unmanned aircraft are becoming a key tool in clearing areas and disrupting enemy positions. This shift marks a significant development in how Ukraine is fighting. It aims to reclaim territory lost to Russia.

February Offensive Shows Drone Power

In February, Ukrainian forces launched major counterattacks in the south. These operations were led by elite paratrooper and assault units. They were strongly supported by specialized drone units. The main goal was to push back Russian troops from occupied areas. Ukraine wanted to clear out soldiers who had dug in too close to the front lines. The battlefield is now full of drones. This makes it hard to know exactly who controls what. However, Ukraine reported reclaiming more territory in February than Russia took over.

These operations are still ongoing in late March. Both sides are preparing for a busy spring and summer fighting season. Ukrainian forces are working to gain the best positions possible.

Meet the ‘Sky Griffins’

We spent time with a top Ukrainian drone unit. This is the 423rd Separate Drone Battalion. They are part of the ground forces and are known as the ‘Sky Griffins’. We focused on their heavy bomber drone team. Their mission was to find and attack the last remaining Russian soldiers.

The team members come from different backgrounds. Some have military experience from before the full invasion. Others are younger, joining the military recently. They are all dedicated to defending their country.

Drones Target Russian Defenses

A drone operator explained their work. “We are working more on shelters,” he said. “We want to stop them from entering any settlement. If they are already there in fortified areas, our task is to force them out.” The goal is to make Russian soldiers uncomfortable everywhere. They want to ensure no hiding place feels safe.

The emotional toll of war is significant. Operators say that aspect is long gone. “Of course, you are happy when you manage to destroy the enemy,” one said. “Because when you destroy the enemy, you save the lives of infantry first and foremost. They are the ones having the hardest time right now.” Destroying enemy soldiers also saves the lives of civilians who might have been harmed.

Regarding Russian soldiers, he added, “They sign contracts for money and consciously come here to kill people on foreign land for money. So they are killers. And that’s why I feel like I am stopping killers who came here.”

Preparing the ‘Vampire’ Drone

The team prepared their drone for a mission. They worked with explosive payloads. Connecting the components carefully is vital. “When we connect them to each other, we do it so that the detonator is on the outside, not inside,” an operator explained. This is a safety measure. If the main charge detonates early, it could injure the operator. “There might be some fragments, but that’s okay. It’s not scary. What’s scary is if this thing goes off. If this goes off, then nothing will be left here.”

They call their heavy bomber drone the ‘Vampire’. Russian forces refer to it as ‘Babayaga’, after a witch in Slavic folklore. The Vampire is Ukraine’s most-used heavy bomber drone. It can carry bombs, mines, and other supplies. The team carefully armed the drone for its flight.

Mission Challenges and Tactics

Suddenly, a Russian drone appeared on their sensors. This indicates the area might not be clear. The drone operator monitored the situation. “The detection was a couple of kilometers below us, and it was 15 minutes ago,” he noted. “But I see other drones updating information on them, and this one is still showing as if it’s there.” He waited for updated information. This was to ensure the area was safe before launching. “I am waiting for this information to be updated to be sure that everything is clear and we can fly out, so as not to reveal our position.”

Once cleared, the drone operator, Alexander, launched the Vampire. Edward provided guidance. They were heading towards a village where Russian troops were seen taking shelter. Even with Ukrainian attacks, Russian forces were trying to advance and sneak in. Finding and eliminating them quickly was crucial.

The drone successfully hit a target. “Explosion, a burst,” was reported. The team confirmed the hit. They observed the building they struck. “We took half the village, set it on fire.” Working on buildings is more visually dramatic than hitting underground shelters. “When an explosion happens in the ground, it’s not as bright, but a house, it just falls apart.” The experience was compared to playing with firecrackers as a child.

Dealing with Electronic Warfare

As the Vampire drone neared its landing zone, it encountered jamming. Russia launched a large-scale electronic warfare attack. This interference targeted Ukrainian GPS systems. The drone’s navigation became impossible. It lost its ability to land safely.

“Three minutes if we don’t land the board, then we’ve lost it,” the operator said. The drone was lost due to the jamming. This type of electronic warfare aims to disrupt enemy drones.

Losing an expensive drone like the Vampire is difficult. It also means unfinished missions. However, the team understands that drones are expendable. “Drones, even expensive ones, are expendable objects,” they stated. A replacement Vampire drone would be delivered. This ensures their work continues without interruption.

The Necessity of Force

A soldier reflected on the nature of the conflict. “Pacifism, in my opinion, ends when the enemy comes to your land and wants to kill you and your loved ones,” he stated. “That’s where it ends.” He emphasized that joining the fight isn’t about seeking violence. “I wish all of this didn’t exist. I wish we had a normal neighbor, adequate, with whom we could live in peace, trade, and so on. But as centuries of our shared history show, that’s not about Russians.”

He concluded, “So the only language they understand is the language of force. And if you don’t have this force, you become their victim. They will eat you. Destroying Russians is absolutely pragmatic and necessary for us to survive.”

Reporting from the Front Lines

As conflicts increase globally, reporting from war zones becomes more dangerous. Russian drone attacks, like the Shahed-style drones, make frontline reporting increasingly deadly. Major international news outlets have reduced their presence on the ground in Ukraine. Independent journalists continue to report from the front lines. This work is made possible by financial support from members.

Source: How Ukraine is pushing back Russia with bomber drones (YouTube)