Category
War in Ukraine

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

4 min read
Authors
Mykyta Shandyba
Mykyta Shandyba
Photographer

In the darkness, the elite “Vampires” of Ukraine’s 25th Airborne Brigade unleash precision strikes from the skies. Armed with high-tech drones and a relentless resolve, they silently stalk the Russian forces, delivering deadly blows without mercy. This is the story of their deadly nightly operations.

We race through the darkness in an armored Humvee . The road beneath the wheels has long lost its smoothness—it’s been torn apart by explosions and military vehicle tracks. The buildings on both sides of the street are like ghosts: windows are missing, with gaping holes where doors should be. Fallen power poles resemble skeletons leaning over the shattered streets. It feels as if the city is frozen in the eternal twilight of war.

But we don’t stop.

Vampire crew gearing up for a combat mission. Checking EW systems, comm antennas, supplies, batteries, and the drone itself.
Vampire crew gearing up for a combat mission. Checking EW systems, comm antennas, supplies, batteries, and the drone itself.

Inside the vehicle, there’s silence, only the roar of the engine. Ahead, a position is waiting for us, where the combat group is already on standby. We’re met by the crew that operates the “Vampire” drone. A high-precision, lethal weapon.

The Humvee screeches to a halt. The doors open, and we step out. We’re greeted by the soldiers of the 25th Airborne Brigade. Some are Ukrainian, others are foreigners who’ve joined the fight for freedom. These aren’t just soldiers; they’re professionals who save the lives of their comrades every day and deliver devastating blows to the invading Russian forces.

Drone operator and navigator in action. They control everything — navigation, altitude, wind — to crush Russian forces on Ukrainian soil.
Drone operator and navigator in action. They control everything — navigation, altitude, wind — to crush Russian forces on Ukrainian soil.

The Vampire drone is already in position. It is a highly effective Ukrainian military system designed for precision strikes. Known for its stealth and deadly accuracy, it can carry out devastating attacks on enemy positions, vehicles, and equipment, often under the cover of night. Due to its loud engine sounds and the large shells it drops, the Vampire and similar drones have earned the nickname “Baba Yaga”  from Russian forces.

Now, the Vampire drone is set up, and the monitors glow in the dark. The operator sits in front of the screen, fingers gripping the joystick. Nearby, the navigator coordinates the operation. Everything is ready. The night hunt begins.

The Vampire crew prepares for a mission.
The Vampire crew prepares for a mission.
Mission preparation is underway.
Mission preparation is underway.
A key step in prepping the drone: the operator establishes communication between the console and the drone, ensuring the system is primed for action.
A key step in prepping the drone: the operator establishes communication between the console and the drone, ensuring the system is primed for action.

On the screens, there’s an image from the drone’s camera. Height, perfect visibility, clear silhouettes. The operator scans the area, looking for targets. And then – the enemy.

Verifying the connection and ensuring every component is fully operational.
Verifying the connection and ensuring every component is fully operational.

Silence. Then – an explosion. Through the sight, we can see everything engulfed in flames. The operator doesn’t take his eyes off the screen. The camera captures the aftermath – the target is destroyed.

Next. And another. And another. There are many tonight, but no mistakes. The Vampire gives no chances.

Vampire crew, ready to deploy ammo and strike down Russian forces.
Vampire crew, ready to deploy ammo and strike down Russian forces.

The night gradually fades. The first gray hues of morning appear on the horizon. The work is done. The operators remove their headsets and close the monitors. Fatigue is present, but no one shows it – everyone here is used to nights like this.

The fierce gaze of a foreign fighter through the Humvee’s cabin.
The fierce gaze of a foreign fighter through the Humvee’s cabin.
The fierce gaze of a foreign fighter from the perspective of the Vampire drone
The fierce gaze of a foreign fighter from the perspective of the Vampire drone
As the crew preps the drone for takeoff, the driver monitors the situation on the ground.
As the crew preps the drone for takeoff, the driver monitors the situation on the ground.
Attaching a shell to the Vampire for target practice. Soldiers call it the “mini FAB.”
Attaching a shell to the Vampire for target practice. Soldiers call it the “mini FAB.”
A foreign fighter, call sign “KITSURAGI,” shares insights on their unit’s unique operations.
A foreign fighter, call sign “KITSURAGI,” shares insights on their unit’s unique operations.

We gather, take our places in the Humvee again. The road back is as battered as when we arrived.

Ahead lies a new day and new tasks. But this night has become another drop in the vast cause — the fight that continues.

The Vampire crew watches a drone’s training flight at the range, analyzing every detail.
The Vampire crew watches a drone’s training flight at the range, analyzing every detail.
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