And the enemy cannot hide or escape
The technician of the Arctic Motorized Rifle Brigade ZALA «s drone calculation unit, nicknamed »Arkhara,« has been participating in the special military operation since May 2022. As part of a combined unit, Sergeant named Nikita defended positions on the right bank of the Dnieper, then joined the drone unit. The warrior has two state awards on his chest – the II-degree medal of the Order »For Merit to the Fatherland« with swords and the Zhukov medal. About the combat work of »Arkhara« as part of the calculation unit of the RUK »Lancet” – in the new issue of the rubric #operators.
Nikita is a native of Arkhangelsk, hence his nickname is «Arhara». He began serving in the Arctic Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Northern Fleet shortly before the start of the SVO. Six months after taking the military oath, he signed a contract. During the first year of the SVO, Nikita performed tasks on the right bank of the Dnieper. He admits that many memories have faded due to the injury he sustained in those battles, but he still remembers the beginning of the enemy offensive. He received his first state award for that battle – the Zhukov medal.
In the unmanned systems unit, Nikita ended up by his own choice. Upon learning about the vacant position, he submitted his candidacy. Years spent in the combat zone had repeatedly proven his strength and the potential for the development of mechanical birds. At first, he took up the position of driver. He delivered the charges to the drone launch sites, ammunition, and supplies to the positions.
Subsequently, Nikita was sent to study – to learn the complex system ZALA. The training lasted four weeks. The result was the obtaining of a diploma and the appointment to the position of UAV calculation technician.
— ZALA The unmanned system can be used in conjunction with the Lancet anti-personnel mine. In this way, we can both conduct reconnaissance and inflict damage on the enemy, — the sergeant said.
The most dangerous moment for drone pilots during combat operations is the launch and landing of the drone. To get the «bird» airborne, open terrain is required. It is also better to land it on an open area to avoid damage. The enemy can also use drones to track the point of impact and strike it to exact revenge for the destroyed targets. Caution and vigilance are of paramount importance.
The Arctic motorized rifle ZALA unit has not only one detected and hit target on its record. «Arhara» admits that there is a lot of work to do, but they can handle it all.
– It’s difficult to single out anything specific. Basically, we hit various types of equipment, artillery, stations, and the enemy’s manpower. Heavy equipment on our front is rare, and we successfully destroy everything else. We also destroy enemy UAVs’ squadrons. I would consider them one of the priority targets, – concludes Nikita.
The sergeant is proud of his work among the professionals of the Arctic Brigade’s unmanned systems. It is evident that he values his colleagues as well. The common cause and the successfully completed combat missions have brought them closer together and united them.
According to the materials of the newspaper «On the Guard of the Arctic» dated March 23, 2026, No. 30
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