Lauge Risom Koch 
A Ukrainian drone crew successfully struck four Russian BM-21 Grad rocket launchers during a single mission that included a record 45-kilometer long-range strike.
A Ukrainian drone crew successfully targeted four Russian BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers during a single operational deployment. According to United24 Media, operators from the Perun Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade destroyed two of the systems and damaged two others. The successful engagement represented the first time the battalion had targeted and struck this specific type of enemy rocket artillery.
The specialized team achieved a record-breaking flight distance during the complex combat operation. As reported by United24 Media, one long-range strike occurred after an unmanned aerial vehicle traveled 45 kilometers to hit its designated target. Crew commander Zhulyk emphasized the mission’s unprecedented success, stating, “We set every record we could: both for time spent on position and for range.”
The military unit did not disclose the precise geographical location of these frontline strikes. According to United24 Media, the brigade also declined to specify the exact model of long-range drones used to execute the mission. The targeted BM-21 Grad remains a key truck-mounted 122mm artillery platform widely utilized by Russian forces for battlefield fire support.
Operating continuously during a two-month deployment
The drone crew maintained an uninterrupted operational presence at their forward position for two full months. As noted by United24 Media, team members conducted continuous strike and reconnaissance missions during both daytime and nighttime hours. The deployed personnel included a first-person view pilot, an explosives specialist, a navigator, and dedicated technical support staff.
Unrelenting operational demands required every team member to perform specialized tasks without relief rotation. According to United24 Media, the crew commander explained that no secondary team was available to replace operators while they slept. Zhulyk noted the heavy operational burden, explaining that “everyone has their own job” within the tight-knit team to sustain round-the-clock combat readiness.
Pervasive enemy surveillance created severe tactical hazards during transit to and from the concealed firing position. As reported by United24 Media, Russian reconnaissance aircraft actively searched the area for Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle specialists. While reaching the forward area took roughly half a day, exfiltrating after the 60-day deployment required nearly two days of cautious travel.
Targeting North Korean artillery systems on the battlefield
Ukrainian forces continue to expand their drone strikes against high-value Russian artillery and imported missile assets. According to United24 Media, Ukrainian artillery units recently destroyed a rare North Korean Type-75 multiple launch rocket system. The 40th Separate Artillery Brigade successfully located and eliminated the foreign-supplied artillery unit using a direct drone strike.
The North Korean system features a 12-tube launcher configuration deployed to reinforce Russian battlefield firepower. As noted by United24 Media, the destruction of this rare weapon system occurred during targeted frontline operations on September 11. The incident underscores Russia’s growing reliance on imported military hardware to sustain its heavy artillery operations across the conflict zone.
Precision unmanned systems continue to reshape combat tactics along the entire frontline. According to United24 Media, long-range strike drones allow Ukrainian operators to strike heavy weaponry far behind active defense lines. These ongoing drone operations aim to systematically degrade Russian artillery capabilities while minimizing direct combat risks to infantry forces.
