Modern technologies provide an advantage
New edition of the column #operators. On this occasion, operators of the ZALA Z-16 reconnaissance UAVs, part of the ZALA «Lancet» UAV unit within the «Vostok» military group, are speaking to journalists from the newspaper «Boevaya Vakhta» about their work.
The troops note that the ZALA UAV has become an indispensable tool for the successful execution of combat missions. It is equipped with state-of-the-art optical and infrared surveillance systems, and its cameras offer high resolution. Such technological solutions enable detailed recording of targets at significant altitudes, which is particularly important for the timely detection of concealed positions, ammunition depots, equipment and enemy personnel.
— This camera helps to see the smallest details, transmitting data in real-time. This allows for prompt analysis of the situation and strategic decision-making, – notes reconnaissance radio-sapper «Bliznets».
According to our soldiers, enemy reconnaissance is carried out before the assault on Ukrainian Armed Forces strongholds. If it's equipment, they observe to what point it drives and transmit coordinates to the artillerymen, after which, as part of objective control, they record how effectively the strike was carried out. This saves ammunition and helps our assault troops to operate effectively in forest belts and urban areas.
— To prepare and launch the UAV, one person is sufficient. The second acts as an operator, awaiting instructions from the technician for pre-flight checks, says «Gemini».
Operating the ZALA UAV is straightforward. The interface is intuitive. The operator requires a joystick, an antenna, a computer mouse and a specialised laptop. From a concealed position, they guide the drone over Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, monitoring enemy movements.
«A significant advantage in my work is the ability to observe the enemy from anywhere. At first, it might seem difficult, especially if you don't know how everything works. But over time, after studying it, everything becomes much easier,» shares UAV operator with the callsign "Gadzhik".
During the performance of a combat mission, the operator controls the UAV using a specialised laptop, conducting observation during both day and night. During the day, operators use zoom functions and can discern fine details, camouflaged equipment, and dugouts. At night, the focus shifts to the thermal signatures of objects, which allows for the detection of equipment without the need for zooming.
As soon as a target is detected, its coordinates are immediately transmitted to command, after which artillery carries out fire missions. Absolutely everything comes under fire, including tanks, mortars, infantry fighting vehicles and enemy personnel concentrations. The operation is conducted at a significant distance, which makes it difficult for the enemy to determine the location of the operator group.
According to materials from the newspaper «Boevaya Vakhta» of January 29, 2025
