A wounded Ukrainian soldier escaped a front-line position aboard a heavy drone after mines and enemy drones prevented a ground evacuation, Ukrainian military accounts reported.
The 92nd Separate Assault Brigade released footage of the rescue on October 19. The military described the operation as the world’s first aerial drone evacuation of a wounded soldier from the front line, a claim that The Dallas Express could not independently establish.
The infantryman served with the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade and suffered an injury at his position. Heavy enemy drone activity and mined terrain ruled out evacuation by an unmanned ground vehicle, the brigade said, according to Ukrainska Pravda, which reported its account.
The rescue team turned instead to a heavy hexacopter supplied by Ukrainian manufacturer Gurzuf Defence. Specialists worked with the company to adapt the aircraft to carry a person while limiting dangerous swaying or tipping, ArmyInform reported.
Before attempting the evacuation, the team tested the system at the manufacturer’s facilities and planned the mission with neighboring units. A drone operator from the 30th Brigade piloted the aircraft, according to the military account.
The footage shows the soldier attaching himself to the aircraft before it lifts him above the terrain and later lowers him to the ground.
Ukraine’s 92nd Assault Brigade has carried out the world’s first battlefield evacuation of a wounded soldier by aerial drone.
A heavy-lift Ayudag 6 transported the soldier, who sustained severe leg injuries, 15 kilometers back to the rear area. He is expected to survive. pic.twitter.com/mm9zH8hgb9
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) October 19, 2026
The soldier is receiving treatment and rehabilitation, and his life is no longer in danger, the brigade said, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
The military did not disclose when or where the rescue occurred. Monday’s announcement marks the release of the footage, rather than a confirmed date for the operation.
