Eastern Ukraine — Russia has unleashed a new wave of drone attacks on Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Air Force reporting the downing of all but two of the 31 explosive-laden drones. This recent assault highlights the evolution of the conflict, which was originally sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion over a year and a half ago, into an increasingly drone-focused war.
The Ukrainian military granted CBS News exclusive access to one of its new drone units, which has been effectively targeting and destroying Russian forces behind the front lines. We observed as soldiers from the unit, a part of Ukraine’s 24th Mechanized Brigade, practiced commanding fleets of small drones to engage enemy hardware and personnel.
One of the pilots, codenamed “Sunset,” was operating a cutting-edge R18 octocopter—a drone entirely designed and manufactured in Ukraine. Each of these drones costs over $100,000, but their cost-effectiveness and devastating effectiveness have been proven on the battlefield.
Sunset informed us that the unit has already destroyed 10 Russian tanks since they began operations in May.
Equipped with thermal imaging cameras, the R18 drones are most deadly during nighttime operations. Ukrainian troops shared video footage, obtained from one of these devices, showcasing its capability to illuminate and destroy a Russian Howitzer artillery piece hundreds of feet below.
The commander of the 24th Mechanized Brigade, codenamed “Hasan,” claimed that his forces have destroyed $40 million worth of Russian hardware in the past month.
Hasan confirmed that the unit’s manpower will increase from around 60 to 100 troops, and they will require a larger fleet of drones. According to estimates, Ukraine is currently employing and losing around 10,000 drones every month. With the war persisting, ensuring a steady supply of these lethal weapons has become a significant challenge.
The majority of drones employed by Ukrainian forces are sourced from China. However, in September, China officially banned the export of drones to Ukraine and Russia. Despite this, they are still able to acquire them through intermediaries and third-party countries, albeit at a slower pace.
In a concealed workshop, boxes from China containing drones sat on a shelf. This workshop is where another Ukrainian commander, “Taras,” oversees the process of modifying and repairing these drones, both to optimize their lethality and save costs. This kind of resourcefulness is crucial, especially considering the recent suspension of new U.S. aid for Ukraine.
Since its establishment in May, the drone unit we encountered has successfully targeted and struck communications towers, infantry hideouts, and Russian soldiers. Sunset had a message for the American people, including the politicians in Washington who will determine the level of ongoing military support for Ukraine: “Thank you. We are not wasting your money. Drones save our lives.”
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
