Ukrainian ‘Vampire’ drones haunt Russian forces in Donbas
Their task is to effectively attack the enemy, and they excel at engaging accessible targets. Ukrainian Vampire drones are successfully striking Russian positions in the Donbas. They are efficient and precise, capable of executing up to 27 combat missions in a single night.
According to Defense Express, the Ukrainian army is extensively using Vampire drones, also known as Baba Yaga. This nickname was given due to their effectiveness and significant impact on Russian forces. These heavy hexacopters are particularly effective during nighttime operations, targeting Russian infantry and fortified positions. The Russian military is continually striving to develop its own version of these effective devices.
In the Donbas region, Vampire drones are deployed to attack Russian soldiers hiding in bunkers or trenches. While Vampire drones can target enemy vehicles, operators note that FPV drones generally perform better at destroying Russian armor. Additionally, Vampire drones operate around the clock, with operators recounting nights so intense that up to 27 combat missions were recorded.
The versatility of Vampire drones
Beyond direct attacks, Vampire drones are used for tasks such as delivering supplies to front lines unreachable by other means. Ukrainian soldiers recalled instances when a drone was used to extinguish fires caused by Russian attacks. The hexacopter was equipped with special water capsules, which were precisely dropped on the flames.
Due to their high efficiency in neutralizing the enemy, Russian forces are making concerted efforts to locate the operators of the Vampire drones.
The Baba Yaga drones currently pose the greatest threat to Russian positions. They can carry approximately 44 pounds and operate at altitudes ranging from 650 to 1,300 feet. These machines are particularly dangerous during nighttime attacks, as they remain virtually undetected while engaging enemies. The drones also utilize Starlink terminals, making them resistant to jamming and enabling them to operate within a range of 12–19 miles at low altitude. Besides bombing, this equipment serves as a flying signal amplifier for smaller units.
