Conflict & Security
Ukraine says it carried out first drone airlift of wounded soldier from front line
October 19, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English
The Ukrainian military said it evacuated a wounded soldier trapped on the front line using a heavy drone, citing landmines and Russian drone activity.
- The 92nd Assault Brigade said ground rescue was impossible as the wounded serviceman was surrounded by landmines under heavy Russian drone activity.
- The operation used a "Heavy Shot" hexacopter, which covered 62 kilometers in 1 hour and 14 minutes.
- The 30th Mechanized Brigade confirmed the soldier is receiving treatment and his life is no longer at risk.
- Gurzuf Defense co-founder Pavlo Feldblyum warned against treating drone evacuations as routine, saying each case carries distinct risks.

