Ukraine claims first drone evacuation of wounded soldier
The gist
Ukraine's 92nd Separate Assault Brigade says a hexacopter flew a wounded soldier 39 miles to safety.
The brigade calls it a world first, but air evacuation remains a last resort.
How it unfolded
- Oct 19, 2026The 92nd Separate Assault Brigade announced and shared video of a wounded soldier evacuated from the front line by a heavy-lift hexacopter, calling it the world's first such operation.
- Oct 19, 2026The brigade's Unmanned Ground Systems Company reported the mission on its official Telegram channel; personnel from several brigades, the 10th Army Corps and manufacturer Gurzuf Defence took part.
- Oct 19, 2026Gurzuf Defence said the flight in its Heavy Shot Ayudag-6, originally configured as a bomber, lasted 1 hour, 14 minutes and 36 seconds and covered 39 miles (62 kilometers).