Ukraine has released video showing what it says is the world’s first evacuation of an injured soldier from front lines by drone. The “historic” mission, shared by the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, shows the soldier strapping into a large hexacopter originally designed as a bomber by a Ukrainian manufacturer. Due to intense enemy drone activity and landmines, conventional ground vehicles could not be used.
The drone carefully lowers the soldier, with the operator greeting him “Welcome back to the ground!” The brigade said specialists ensured the craft could carry a human without flipping. The rescued soldier is now undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Squad leader identified by call sign Napalm called the soldier a “hero” for agreeing to the unprecedented mission.
Ukraine’s Ground Forces noted drone units are conducting operations once considered science fiction. The conflict has become a technological arms race. Kyiv hopes drone innovation will strengthen its position, though it faces pressure from the U.S. over strikes on Russian oil sites and restrictions on Elon Musk’s Starlink service.
This follows Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi’s announcement of an “experimental project” using drones for medical logistics, including transporting medicines, blood samples and donor organs between hospitals.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing