Ukraine continues to field a growing number of Vampire heavy hexacopter bombers, which russian forces have nicknamed Baba Yaga due to their terrifying presence, particularly during night operations. These UAVs have earned a reputation for high effectiveness in targeting russian infantry and fortified positions. In fact, the enemy has acknowledged their impact and is attempting to replicate the design with similar drones of its own.
The 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, operating in the Toretsk sector of Donetsk region, is among the units equipped with Vampire drones. In an interview with ArmyInform, drone operators from the brigade shared insights into the combat deployment of these systems.
Read more: Ukrainian Border Guards Target russian Positions with the Baba Yaga Heavy Drone (Video)
The primary mission for Vampire drones in this sector is targeting russian personnel, especially those sheltering in dugouts and bunkers. While Vampire can engage enemy vehicles when necessary, operators note that FPV drones are typically more effective for striking russian armor.
Notably, Vampire UAVs are used around the clock. One operator, a soldier named Andriy with the callsign Spider, recounted a record-setting night in which 27 combat sorties were flown:
“It was a conveyor belt: land, swap batteries, reload the payload, and back into the air.”
Andriy added that operators are dispatched for every viable target, even if only a handful of enemy assault troops are spotted. The drone's payload capacity makes it well-suited for destroying enemy bunkers and basements with multiple precision drops.
Beyond direct strikes on infantry, fortifications, and vehicles, Vampire drones are also used for remote area denial.
In addition to its strike capabilities, the Vampire drone is also proving invaluable for other battlefield tasks, particularly resupply missions to frontline positions that are otherwise inaccessible. One soldier recalled how the Vampire was even used to extinguish fires started by russian attempts to burn down Ukrainian shelters. For such missions, the hexacopter is equipped with special water-filled capsules that can be dropped precisely onto the flames.
Given the drone's impressive effectiveness, it’s no surprise that russian forces are actively trying to hunt down its operators.
“If they manage to pinpoint the bomber’s position, everything they have starts flying at us,” said one of the Ukrainian servicemen.
Earlier, Defense Express reported on a new ultra-smart strike drone with a range of 400 kilometers, developed by the creators of the Switchblade, and noted that this next-generation system may already be in use in Ukraine.
Read more: russian Military Shifts Focus to Eliminating Ukrainian Drone Operators Amid Growing UAV Threat (Opinion)
