Nicolas Tonev (special correspondent in Donetsk)/Photo credits: CHRIS MCGRATH / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP 08:12 a.m., February 27, 2024

Used by both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, drones have become a weapon of choice.

Less expensive than shells, this essential technology represents hell for soldiers who are no longer safe anywhere.

Europe 1 went to a team of drone pilots from the Ukrainian army.

Emmanuel Macron on Monday called on Ukraine's allies meeting in Paris for a "start" to ensure the "defeat" of Russia, announcing new measures to provide more weapons to Kiev and refusing to exclude the option of a sending of Western troops in the future.

While waiting for arms deliveries, the kyiv army is doing what it can by relying in particular on drones.

Cheaper than shells, this essential technology is used by both camps and represents hell for the soldiers who are no longer safe anywhere.

Europe 1 went to a team of drone pilots from the Ukrainian army.

“Drones help us a lot”

Above the heads of the soldiers, a sound is overwhelming.

He is horrifying.

It is that of a reconnaissance drone, named Inquisitor and equipped with a remote camera.

“The machine has different ranges depending on the objectives of the group that directs it. This can be 10, 12, 17, 20 and up to 25 kilometers,” explains a drone pilot at the microphone of Europe 1.

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After reconnaissance comes action with the FPV, the kamikaze drone responsible for attacking the enemy.

“We are short of shell supplies from our allies so the drones help us a lot because even in a shelter, a soldier can no longer protect himself.

Once a pilot has seen his target, it is no longer possible to escape,” the man continues.

Lower cost

In this air battle, Ukraine and Russia are fighting blow for blow: “the adversary flies the same way as us. When we travel long distances to tap their logistics, they try to do the same,” explains the drone soldier. 

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This drone war is formidable and economical.

A “suicide FPV” drone costs only 600 euros compared to more than 3,000 euros for a large caliber shell.