The Ukrainian military has introduced “Baba Yaga,” a large hexacopter drone named after a mythical witch, enhancing their nighttime operational capabilities. Equipped with an infrared camera and capable of carrying a 33-pound rocket warhead, Baba Yaga has been deployed effectively in southern Kherson Oblast, particularly in the area of Krynky. This development comes as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive efforts, utilizing both drone technology and electronic warfare to gain tactical advantages.
Sweet!… Dude!
First image I have seen of a Baba Yaga drone with a machine gun on it being used in combat.#OSINT #UkraineRussiaWar #UkraineWar #UkraineKrieg #Ukraine
RT Appreciated pic.twitter.com/JRZ3Jz1wMY
— OSINT (Uri)
(@UKikaski) April 6, 2024
Baba Yaga operates primarily under the cover of darkness, targeting Russian regiments and brigades with precision, thanks to its ability to drop bombs through tree canopies undetected. The drone’s introduction represents a strategic shift in Ukraine’s approach to nighttime warfare, overcoming the limitations of first-person-view (FPV) drones that are prevalent during daylight hours but less effective at night due to the high cost of infrared camera equipment.
In addition to its direct attack capabilities, “Baba Yaga” has also been utilized as a “mother ship,” controlling smaller kamikaze drones for precision strikes deep behind enemy lines. This innovative use of agricultural drones as flying repeater stations has extended the operational range of smaller drones, allowing Ukrainian forces to conduct attacks far beyond traditional artillery ranges.
Ukrainian baba yaga drone first disables a moving tank with a mine trawl by dropping a mortar on it. Then finishes it off by dropping an anti tank mine on it pic.twitter.com/z7k6CF4uo8
— Lost Weapons (@LostWeapons) April 7, 2024
Russian forces have found countering these drone attacks challenging, particularly due to the speed and small size of the attack drones, as well as the limited effectiveness of their electronic warfare equipment against the Ukrainian tactics. The Baba Yaga drones, despite being vulnerable to ground fire due to their size and speed, have proven to be a formidable addition to Ukraine’s tactical operations, significantly impacting the dynamics of nighttime warfare and contributing to the ongoing efforts to repel Russian advances.
Rus birlikleri, Ukrayna’nın ağır bomba taşıyabilen ‘Baba Yaga’ isimli drone’nu ele geçirdi. pic.twitter.com/HwrBEneC5R
— CMD (@cmd_exee) April 4, 2024
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