Solutions to win: Ukrainian intelligence officers receive innovative PD-2 unmanned system

Ukrainian intelligence received a PD-2 drone complex from volunteers. 

According to the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, this weapon is produced in Ukraine, Rubryka reports.

What's the problem?

Intelligence is a crucial aspect of supporting military operations. It involves a combination of measures by all commanders and staff to obtain information about the enemy, the terrain, and climatic conditions in the area of future combat actions. This is done to most effectively employ forces and means to engage the enemy. Without intelligence, it's impossible to carry out tasks in combat successfully.

Intelligence operatives often perform their tasks directly near the enemy's location, using drones to detect occupant positions. After completing their mission, soldiers need to return safely to Ukrainian positions.

What's the solution?

The NGO Come Back Alive Fund provided the aerial intelligence unit of the Defense Intelligence Directorate with the high-tech PD-2 drone.

The complex consists of two aircraft and is equipped with its own power supply and communication from the ground control station, integrated into a highly mobile minibus. According to intelligence operatives, this allows for a much faster deployment and folding of the reconnaissance complex. It also enables quick location changes, saving operators' lives from enemy counterattacks.

How does it work?

PD-2 is a high-tech system of Ukrainian production. The complex can operate deep within enemy defenses, provide artillery with target coordinates, and adjust their fire.

The intelligence unit commander with the call sign "Ruben" pointed out that the most crucial aspect of this complex is its ability to operate in conditions of active electronic warfare. It can conduct reconnaissance at a distance of over 100 kilometers.

"During the defense of Kyiv, we flew a similar complex 95 kilometers from the starting point," said Ruben. "And it can stay in the air for over 5 hours: this means that PD-2 can cover the needs of not just one artillery crew in one flight." 

"Ozi," who has been serving as an aerial intelligence operator for eight years, added:

"In our group, we never counted destroyed targets. It's not a competition — it's just a huge desire to burn them."

Volunteers purchased the complex for ₴25,709,801.13. The funds were raised through donations from Ukrainians. Citizens can join the army's assistance via the link.

Ukrainian-made drones

The Ukrainian army already has dozens of domestically produced drones. This includes not only unmanned aerial vehicles but also surface drones.

Earlier, the head of the SBU reported that Ukraine had manufactured a unique marine surface drone called the "Sea Baby." The production of these drones is located in Ukraine, but the plants are underground.

During a large press conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine would produce a million drones for the front next year.

The Ministry of Strategic Industries stated that all production capacities are ready, and contracting for 2024 has begun.