In Ukraine, A Wounded Soldier Was Evacuated From The Front Lines By Drone For The First Time

• 19.10.2026, 18:25

A video has been posted.

Ukrainian military personnel reported the successful evacuation of a wounded infantryman using a heavy bomber drone. Ground evacuation was impossible due to mines and Russian drone activity. The operation marked the first evacuation from the front lines using an aerial drone.

The wounded soldier from the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade remained at his position, from which he could not be evacuated even by a ground robot. Specialists from the unmanned ground systems company of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade then proposed retrieving the soldier by air.

To do this, they used a heavy hexacopter—a drone with six rotors—manufactured by the Ukrainian company Gurzuf Defence. The manufacturer provided the drone for the operation and helped adapt it for transporting a person.

According to mission participants, the main technical challenge was ensuring the drone’s stability: it had to carry the wounded person without tipping over or swaying excessively. Prior to the evacuation, specialists, together with the manufacturer, conducted tests and coordinated a plan with other units.

During the operation itself, the drone was piloted by an operator from the 30th Mechanized Brigade. The wounded soldier was successfully evacuated and transferred for treatment. Military personnel reported on his condition: “He is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation; his life is no longer in danger.”

Those involved in the operation note that this method could expand the possibilities for rescuing the wounded in areas where ground access is blocked by mines and enemy drones.