This footage, made available by Ukraine’s Security Service, shows their FPV drone operators hunting Russian troops and vehicles. These include the Chinese-supplied, golf-cart-like Desertcross buggies and the iconic Soviet support vans, called Buhanka (bread loaf), both of which have proven to be ideal prey for drone hunters.

Naturally, there’s a point at which one has to go to war with what one has instead of waiting and wishing for the perfect solution. However, the frequency with which these soft-skinned and/or open-topped vehicles, and their occupants, get offered up as drone-bait shows no sign of slowing or stopping. There is also a point where that stops being a matter of necessity and begins to become commentary on the value of the troops’ lives. Historically speaking, the value that the Russian state places on the average grunt does not need further discussion here. Mind you, these are the same guys that insist on riding atop APCs when drones are about, so I suppose that concern should be taken cum granum salis.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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