Ukrainian soldiers are turning consumer drones into formidable weapons of war

Ukrainian soldiers have been sharing videos on social media of the ways in which consumer “off-the-shelf” drones can be used on the battlefield, either as surveillance tools or to deliver munitions. © Observers

Simple photography drones are being put to good use on the battlefield in Ukraine. Videos show soldiers using these drones – the same kind you can buy online for hobby use – to surveil Russian troops and find the best point of attack. Other drones have been refitted to hold small explosives that can be dropped directly on the enemy. These off-the-shelf UAVs showcase just one of the inventive, “DIY” methods the Ukrainian army has used to counter Russian attacks.

Since the Russian invasion on February 24, Ukrainian citizens have been called upon to join the war effort, either by joining the military, defending their homes with Molotov cocktails and other homemade weapons, or even donating their own drones to help surveil Russian troops.