Russian Forces Attempt to Replicate Ukraine’s “Vampire” Drone Tactics on the Battlefield

Russian forces operating on the Sloviansk front have begun shifting their battlefield tactics by increasingly using heavy drones capable of dropping explosives, according to the 81st Slobozhanska Airmobile Brigade on March 6.

The 81st Brigade is fighting within the operational zone of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces.

According to the brigade, Russian troops have recently intensified the use of various strike systems in the sector, apparently aimed at distracting Ukrainian forces and complicating reconnaissance efforts.

“Usually the Russians use FPV suicide strike drones as well as loitering munitions such as the Lancet and Molniya,” the brigade said in a statement.

However, Ukrainian troops say a different type of drone has begun appearing more frequently in recent weeks.

“In the last few weeks we have recorded the use of heavy bomber hexacopters that visually resemble the Ukrainian ‘Vampire’ drone,” the unit reported.

These large multirotor drones are capable of carrying and dropping explosive payloads, making them particularly dangerous for infantry positions and frontline vehicles.

Ukrainian air defense teams from Horizon Group have already destroyed five of the drones, according to the brigade.

“Air defense operators from Horizon Group have already destroyed five such targets, but it cannot be ruled out that the enemy will continue to increase the use of these systems,” the brigade said.

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War in Ukraine

How Vampire Drones of Ukraine's 25th Airborne Brigade Strike Under the Cover of the Night, in Photos

Mar 28, 2025 19:35

Ukrainian heavy bomber drones, dubbed by Russian forces “Baba Yaga ,” have gained near-legendary status on the battlefield, with Russian troops repeatedly describing them as one of the most frightening aerial threats they face—particularly during night operations.

Earlier, operators of Ukrainian bomber drones destroyed a heavily fortified Russian strongpoint on the South Slobozhansky axis, dismantling what Ukrainian defenders described as a full-fledged “underground city” of enemy positions.

The large unmanned aircraft worked through the position step by step, striking one dugout after another and systematically collapsing shelters and firing points.

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