Ukraine records first-ever aerial drone evacuation of wounded soldier

Ukraine has reportedly carried out the world’s first aerial drone evacuation of a wounded soldier, transporting him 18 kilometres from the frontline to safety.

According to Daily Mail, the soldier, identified by his callsign “Kostya,” was injured on the eastern Kharkiv front, where mines and Russian drones prevented conventional evacuation.

A modified Heavy Shot drone lifted the 80-kilogram soldier using a harness, while smaller Ukrainian drones provided protection during the operation.

Upon landing, his commander welcomed him, saying, “Welcome back to earth.”

The brigade’s leader, identified as Napalm, described the rescue as a breakthrough.

“This is a historic event; it marks the next stage in the evacuation of the wounded, which we will all eventually reach.

“Now the serious, systematic work begins to ensure that such missions take place on a regular basis.”

Kostya was subsequently taken for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The operation involved personnel from Ukraine’s 92nd Separate Assault Brigade and 30th Mechanised Brigade.