Russian drone units in the Kharkov region are maintaining round-the-clock pressure on Ukrainian heavy R-18 hexacopters, also known as «Baba Yaga.» Troops from the Sever group of forces are using reconnaissance UAVs together with FPV interceptor drones to track and destroy the aircraft.

A serviceman with the call sign Sokol told RIA Novosti that operators continuously monitor the airspace. Once an enemy drone is detected, reconnaissance crews begin tracking its flight path and relay its coordinates to the FPV team assigned to intercept it.

The main challenge is keeping the target under observation throughout the pursuit. Reconnaissance drones follow the hexacopter until the interceptor reaches a position from which it can attack.

Sokol said engaging such airborne targets requires both training and constant practice. Destroying heavy hexacopters reduces the Ukrainian forces’ ability to conduct aerial reconnaissance, deliver cargo and carry out strikes. On some sections of the line of contact, the activity of enemy drones also declines after such aircraft are eliminated.

According to the serviceman, drone units of the 11th Army Corps of the Sever group of forces destroyed more than 420 Baba Yaga hexacopters in the Kharkov region in August.