Ukraine’s 93rd Brigade Deploys Ground-Based Drone Armed With Aircraft Rockets

The 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has begun using a ground-based drone equipped with a launcher for unguided aircraft rockets.

The brigade’s ground drone unit operated the drone. It was developed on the initiative of the unit’s commander, known by the call sign “Elektrik.”

The project was launched with the removal of a UB-16-57 launcher — originally designed for 16 S-5 unguided rockets — from a decommissioned aircraft that had served as a monument in the city of Berestyn for decades. According to the Commander, the launcher had been on display for about 70 years.

In addition to the launcher, the unit secured 150 rockets, which have since been used in strikes on Russian positions.

Elektrik noted that the drone’s deployment caused confusion among Russian forces, who responded with heavy fire, including artillery, targeting the area where the drone was operating.

Although the concept was initially met with skepticism, the brigade now regularly uses the drone and it has proven effective in combat.

The use of ground-based unmanned systems is becoming increasingly common in Ukrainian units.

For example, operators from the 20th K-2 Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment recently used robotic platforms to evacuate four wounded Ukrainian soldiers over a span of four days.