This drone footage is provided by the Ukrainian military’s 47th Brigade. While we often have to rely on our own insight and experience to help explain what may be occurring in combat footage- that is a large portion of our work here at Funker530- this video does away with any ambiguity by including a video of the soldier involved. Having been shot five times, he took a substantial risk by showing his credentials to the drone overhead, not knowing whose side it was on. Fortunately, the drone was Ukrainian, and the operator sent a Bradley IFV to come get him.

A point I often make here is about the almost surreal fashion in which drones add to the horrors of war (link NSFW), humming nightmares that will haunt the survivors of today and tomorrow’s battlefields. However, as this video shows,drones can be potentially life-saving as well.

Still, one has to wonder at the Hail Mary nature of what happened here. This man took five rounds and treated himself before risking it all and exposing himself to the drone. It could have gotten him killed or captured as easily as saved his life, although thankfully it’s the latter. The best comparison I can draw is perhaps a soldier in the First World War putting all his meager hopes into a note on a carrier pigeon, against the odds.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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