Agricultural drones in Ukraine added to military inventory

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in conflict zones in Ukraine is expanding both in operational activities and logistics lines. With military engineers updating agricultural drones to be included in the war inventory, the function of UAV technologies in the combat field has diversified. The new generation drone systems, showcased to the press at training grounds on the front line, are used in missions to transport military ammunition over different ranges and deliver humanitarian aid to besieged areas. Military officials stated that low-cost drone networks have been established as an alternative to air defense systems.

According to the technical information shared at the training ground, small-sized drones called 'Mavic' are used for kamikaze (suicide) purposes with a one-way movement mechanism. UAVs equipped with explosives are controlled by guidance signals from a ground antenna. The drones, which can reach their target in an average of 13 minutes depending on the nature of the target, are used against armored artillery systems as well as in missions to deliver medicine and food to besieged areas.

DIVIDED INTO 3 CATEGORIES

Commander of the 429th Brigade, Fedorenko Yuriy, expressed that air defense and missile systems are costly and difficult to procure, stating that low-cost and rapidly producible drone systems create a strategic third line (intermediate line) between military lines and civilian infrastructure, providing operational advantage. Yuriy stated that drone systems with different ranges and missions are used in operations conducted on the front line, "Among the equipment of our brigade, 3 types of drones stand out. The first is the 'Frontstrike' drones, which act as pioneers at close range; the second is the 'Midle' drones used for operational purposes in areas 30 kilometers and deeper; the third is the 'Strategic' drones used for long-range missions, including targets within the territory of the Russian Federation. Our system continues to operate uninterruptedly day and night, in all weather conditions," he said.

'FARMERS UNDER THREAT OF UAVS'

Yuriy stated that they are trying to preserve the ecological balance in areas where military activities are conducted and allow agricultural activities where there is no risk, "Ukrainian farmers have to work constantly under the threat of enemy UAVs. The strategy of the opposing side is not limited to targeting only military elements or civilians, but also aims to put pressure on agricultural activities and farmers, which ensure the country's economic sustainability. Therefore, the rate of casualties among farmers is high. Our mission is to ensure security in these areas by stopping the enemy's advance," he said.

'TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY IS STRONG'

Brigade Commander Yuriy, referring to the production capacity and technological development of the Turkish defense industry, spoke about the potential cooperation between the two countries, "I think the Turkish defense industry production is strong, comprehensive, and successful. There are many innovative equipment produced by Turkey. If these technological capabilities of Turkey are combined with Ukraine's innovation power and active combat experience, this will strengthen the security architecture not only of Ukraine but also of the region and Turkey," he said.

'I JOINED THE ARMY WITH THE WAR'

Marysya, a 22-year-old graduate of the Mathematics Teaching department, explained that she joined the army with the war, "When I graduated from university, the war had started, and I joined the army to fulfill my national duty. Before the war, I was a mathematician; I would have liked to lead a quiet life as an ordinary teacher. The biggest impact of the war on my life was having to grow up very quickly at a young age and take on responsibilities that would normally be learned over years in a single day. I have been in the army since I was 20 and promised myself to serve until the war is over. We try to overcome the difficult process and uncertainty on the front by supporting each other and keeping our morale high. I have accumulated a lot to tell my grandchildren. The public needs to focus on developments in Ukraine. Ukraine is struggling under difficult conditions, and changes in the balance here could lead to the expansion of the war geography," she said.