Ukrainian unit rescues two soldiers with cargo drone

Ukrainian forces recovered two wounded fighters from the front line this week using a specialized cargo drone. The 475th Separate Assault Regiment, also known as CODE 9.2, utilized the StarGate aircraft to evacuate the soldiers from a difficult location. The regiment stated that ground teams could not reach the troops due to water obstacles and enemy drones.

The two soldiers, identified as 25-year-old Yevhen and 24-year-old Artem, sustained severe limb injuries. They were located in the grey zone, approximately five kilometers from the Russian border. The unit described the terrain as difficult and the enemy threat as high, making air extraction the only viable option for their rescue.

Military planners spent a week preparing for the complex missions. They coordinated with SkyFall, the manufacturer of the StarGate drone, and requested fire support from other defense units. Heavy Vampire attack drones were deployed to suppress Russian positions, clearing a path for the evacuation aircraft.

During one of the operations, the StarGate traveled almost 30 kilometers to reach the serviceman. It then flew a similar distance back with the soldier on board. The enemy deployed electronic warfare systems in the area to suppress satellite navigation signals. The drone’s artificial intelligence navigation system allowed it to fly successfully despite the loss of GPS data.

The StarGate aircraft has a maximum speed of 105 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 30 kilometers. It can carry a payload of up to 150 kilograms. For medical missions, the drone is fitted with a dedicated capsule that holds a stretcher. The system is remotely operated and designed to function in environments with heavy electronic interference.

Oleksandr Nastenko, the commander of the 475th Separate Assault Regiment, said the experience will help the unit create a dedicated medical aviation team. This new group will specialize in evacuating wounded soldiers from the battlefield by air. The regiment is currently using the drone for frontline testing.

This operation follows a similar rescue reported on October 19. In that instance, the military used a drone made by Gurzuf Defence to extract a wounded soldier. The Gurzuf drone marked the first time such an aerial evacuation was reported in the conflict.