Ukrainian forces strike Russian vehicle used to launch Shahed-type drones

Ukrainian forces have used drones to attack a vehicle that had been used by the Russians to launch Shahed-type drones.

Source: the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign on social media

Details: The operation was carried out by pilots from the Spalakh (Flash) Unmanned Systems Battalion. They initially filmed UAVs being launched from an airfield and then struck one of the launch vehicles.

Quote: "A rare target today – a vehicle used as a launcher for Shahed-type drones. A first."

The strike on the Russian launch vehicle. Photo: Spalakh Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade

More details: Launching Shahed-type attack drones from vehicles is one of several launch methods used by Russian forces. A drone is fastened to the load bed of a pickup truck, the vehicle accelerates along a straight section of road, then the drone leaves the guide rail launcher with its engine running.

The strike on the Shahed-type drone launch vehicle. Video: Spalakh Unmanned Systems Battalion

Background:

• Ukraine's defence forces have struck Russian Shahed-type drone launch vehicles before. In late March, Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine, confirmed that a group of vehicles had been attacked at Donetsk airport as drones were being launched.
• The 1st Separate Centre of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) (14th Regiment) recently reported having taken Donetsk airport under fire control, destroying Shahed loitering munition launchers. In March, the Ukrainian company Buntar Aerospace also released videos of strikes on Donetsk airport.

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