While some Western armies struggle to steer toward an unmanned military future, Ukraine has, out of necessity, become a driver of innovation. Both technologically and tactically. Drone pilots like Mischa and his unit persistently target the Russian attackers’ supply logistics behind the front lines with small strikes. At the same time, Ukrainian long-range drones damage Russian oil refineries.
In Kupiansk, a city in the Kharkiv Oblast in eastern Ukraine, Mischa stands at the entrance of the bunker under a camouflage net. Behind him, a dark tunnel stretches under a strip of forest. Looking up the steps, the horizon ends in a radiant blue sky, streaked with clouds. A good view for a drone pilot. That applies to the 38-year-old himself. „But also for the enemy“, he explains. In his hand, he holds a scanner.
Three small antennas on it scan the sky, searching for radio frequencies that control the drones. If one of the flying objects is close enough, Mischa can see on the screen what the enemy on the other side of the front line sees. Now only a black-and-white noise flickers. „All clear, nothing in the sky“, says Mischa.
Then he rushes up the stairs. Ulyana follows behind. Both hurry to a nearby group of bushes. There, under the tree crowns, stands a powerful drone. A transmitter is loaded on it. The two grab it and carry the UAS to a grassy area directly in front of the bunker. With quick hands, the duo makes the drone ready for launch. Then they sprint back into the bunker. Not to be visible for too long. Two minutes later, they sit next to their comrade Mykola in a cramped underground concrete capsule. Several screens are lined up…
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