Border guards show Vampire drones striking Russian military shelters
Ukrainian military launches a Vampire drone near the front line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, February 2, 2024 (Photo: REUTERS)
Ukrainian border guards using Vampire bomber drones destroyed six Russian military shelters during a nighttime operation on the Southern Slobozhanskyi front, Ukrainian officials said on May 19.
The shelters were used by Russian forces to hide personnel and ammunition, Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service said.
Ukrainian troops also carried out remote demining operations along routes used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
The Vampire bomber drone began production in Ukraine in 2022. The large hexacopter has six rotors and can carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) over distances of up to 20 kilometers (12 miles). It is designed to withstand electronic warfare systems and features GNSS antennas, a bispectral camera, night operation capability and an autonomous return function in case of signal loss.
The UAV is produced by the Ukrainian military technology company SkyFall, which also manufactures Shrike drones and Shahed interceptor drones.
At the end of January 2026, during the Army of Drones 2025 event, officials said the Vampire had become the most effective system on the battlefield based on 2025 results.
In March, it was reported that operators from the Orion unit of the Revenge assault guard brigade under Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service became among the first in the world to test satellite-based remote control technology for heavy drones. According to the unit’s communications team, the system allows missions to be carried out from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
