A Ukrainian border guard named Vadym, call sign “Frenchman”, who was seriously wounded during a combat mission in Kharkiv region, was evacuated using an unmanned ground vehicle. Remotely controlling the platform, an operator with the call sign “Spider” guided it through mined terrain, burning areas and anti-drone spikes.
The rescue was described by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
“Frenchman” serves with the Phoenix unmanned systems unit of the State Border Guard Service’s Pomsta Brigade. During a mission, a Russian drone exploded above him, with fragments striking the border guard in the neck and shoulder blade.
Because of mines and heavy enemy fire, evacuating the serviceman by conventional transport was nearly impossible. An unmanned ground vehicle was deployed instead.
The platform was operated by a serviceman with the Silver Three unit of the Pomsta Brigade, call sign “Spider”. His task was to remotely guide the vehicle carrying the wounded man to a safe location.
Along the route, the robotic vehicle passed through a burning field. Smoke obscured the camera view, while mines and shell craters surrounded the route.
During the evacuation, the vehicle damaged half of its wheels on spikes scattered by Russian forces. The robot also managed to avoid an enemy loitering drone without drawing its attention.
Despite the damage, the vehicle reached the point where medics were waiting for Vadym. “Frenchman” is currently undergoing treatment and will later begin rehabilitation.
