A Ukrainian observation drone manages to identify a Russian Zala drone team recovering their aerial asset following a flight. A guided multiple launch rocket system strike (GMLRS) is called onto their position and the Russian drone, the operators, and their van are all destroyed by an airburst munition.

The expenditure of a HIMARS GMLRS munition on an unmanned observation drone team may seem wasteful, but the information gathered by the enemy drone is invaluable as it provides realtime information on Ukrainian troop locations, maneuvers, and equipment. Following the destruction of the drone, the Russians are left to essentially fight in the dark until a replacement Zala UAV and crew can be rotated to the area.

About the Author

Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter