Baba Yaga is the nickname for a Ukrainian drone (also called an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV) used in drone warfare created in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. [1] [2] It has been described as a "vampire bomber drone." [2] [3]
"Baba Yaga" is a reference to the Slavic mythological creature, Baba Yaga . [1] Baba Yaga is described as a supernatural witch who flies around in a cauldron or mortar. [4] In August, 2023, Chechen soldiers of the Russian armed forces are reported to have claimed the drone had claws and could abduct soldiers. [5]
The drone is described as a large hexacopter (6-rotor) drone. [6] [7] It is equipped with an infrared (thermal imaging) camera and able to carry up to a 33-pound rocket warhead. [1] [2]
Baba Yaga has been described as originating from an agricultural octocopter. [8] Russian-state media reported use of the drones in the eastern Donbas was based on heavy agricultural drones, and were nicknamed Baba Yaga after "a ferocious old woman." [8]
Baba Yaga was used both as a bomber deploying "mortar-sized munitions" and also as a "mother-ship" drone equipped with a signal repeater, anti-jamming equipment, batteries, and directional antennas. [8] Its ability to function as a signal repeater extended the battery life and range of secondary drones. [9] During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the drones have been used primarily at night. [10]
In December, 2023, it was reported that Russian forces had captured a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone operating through the Starlink satellite network. [11]
Baba Yaga is an enigmatic or ambiguous character from Slavic folklore who has two opposite roles. In some motifs she is described as a repulsive or ferocious-looking old woman who fries and eats children, while in others she is a nice old woman, who helps out the hero. She is often associated with forest wildlife. Her distinctive traits are flying around in a mortar, wielding a pestle, and dwelling deep in the forest in a hut standing on chicken legs.
The 2S1 Gvozdika is a Soviet self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1972 and in service in Russia and other countries as of 2023. It is based on the MT-LBu multi-purpose chassis, mounting a 122 mm 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122, but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika. The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. A variety of track widths are available to allow the 2S1 to operate in snow or swamp conditions. It is NBC protected and has infrared night-vision capability.
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Baba Yaga is a supernatural creature in Slavic mythology, appearing as an old or deformed woman.
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