Ukraine's 'Baba Yaga' drones: a tank's worst nightmare gets an upgrade

Ukrainians continue to enhance their drone army with new capabilities. Recently, photos have surfaced showing the use of "Baba Yaga" drones as tank destroyers and precision bombers. We present what version 2.0 can do.

"Baba Yaga" drones are often adapted from agricultural or other professional drones like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK for various tasks. Thanks to a lifting capacity of approximately 45 pounds, they can serve as signal retransmitters for FPV drones or be used for bombardments.

These drones can carry multiple 3.2-inch caliber mortar shells, capable of eliminating an entire enemy squad. Another option is anti-tank bomblets or PG-7VL grenades, which can penetrate 20 inches of armor steel.

However, over time, the Russians have become increasingly adept at detecting and destroying them. Ordinary anti-tank grenades became ineffective against "armored barns" or "armored porcupines."

As a result, Ukrainians had to adapt, dropping loads from higher altitudes. Unfortunately, this significantly reduced the accuracy of the bombings. Additionally, there was a need for a means capable of dealing with heavily armored Russian vehicles. This required tandem-shaped charge shells, which were too heavy for FPV drones.

Thus, "Baba Yaga" drones began to drop 10-pound PG-7VR grenades on Russian tanks, capable of penetrating 30 inches of armor steel behind reactive armor. These grenades have two shaped charge warheads: the first punches through the additional armor, creating a path for the larger warhead, which detonates under optimal conditions.

To improve accuracy from increased altitudes, Ukrainians developed a system designated BK-30F. This system includes a laser pointer on the drone, likely in a stabilized housing, to illuminate the target. The shell rests on the reflected laser beam, equipped with control surfaces and a semi-active guidance head.

Judging by the photos, it appears to be a section of an anti-tank-guided missile without a rocket engine. Alternatively, it could be an explosive charge enhanced with a semi-active guidance head similar to those in Kwintyk missiles.

As a result, drones can perform precise bombardments almost with impunity from altitudes of 1-2 miles. Shooting down a drone at such altitudes requires advanced anti-aircraft systems or handheld systems like the 9K38 Igla or 9K333 Verba, which are in short supply and not cost-effective for combat drones.