Ambush Revealed: Kyiv Brigade Drones Destroy Dormant FPVs in Their Zone

Members of the 5th Separate Assault Kyiv Brigade discovered several Russian dormant FPV drones set up in an ambush along a road and destroyed them before they could be launched.

The Kyiv Brigade reported that each destroyed dormant drone saves Ukrainian soldiers’ lives. Early detection and elimination of such threats significantly reduces the effectiveness of enemy ambushes.

In Ukrainian military slang, these FPVs are called “Zhduns,” which literally translates to “those who wait.” They are pre-positioned and activated only when a target appears, allowing sudden strikes on vehicles or infantry.

The method is straightforward: a drone is placed along routes where Ukrainian forces are likely to move. It can lie on the ground, hide in bushes, or hover low over a field, remaining out of sight.

An operator monitors the area and activates the drone when a target enters range, enabling surprise attacks without launching the drone in real time.

Dormant FPVs effectively serve as mobile ambush systems, combining FPV flexibility with waiting tactics. Their timely destruction reduces risks for Ukrainian units on the front line.

Ukraine continues to develop countermeasures. Recently, Ptashka Systems presented a solution designed to detect and neutralize these long-waiting drones that can remain on standby for extended periods.