Trending Now - Ukrainian Pilot and AI Drones Team up Against Russian Forces

WHO:

Kottke - Timur Fatkullin is a Ukrainian pilot using acrobatic skills to shoot down Russian drones.

France 24 - The Azov Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine operates the Hornet drone.

France 24 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the increase in mid-range strikes.

WHAT:

Kottke - Fatkullin's aircraft can stay in the air for up to 4.5 hours.

France 24 - The Hornet drone costs $6,000 USD, has a wingspan of 2 meters, a range of over 100 km, and can carry a 4.5 kg payload.

France 24 - The Hornet drone can hit a target at a speed of 200 km/h.

France 24 - Ukraine quadrupled its number of mid-range strikes between February and April 2026.

France 24 - The Hornet drone has a success rate above 80%, according to Russian sources.

WHERE:

Kottke - The drone-hunting operations occur in Ukraine.

France 24 - The Hornet drone was deployed in Mariupol, which is occupied by Russian forces.

France 24 - The drone operates in Russian-occupied territory, specifically targeting logistics routes.

WHEN:

France 24 - A video showing a Hornet drone hitting a Russian truck was shared online on April 16, 2026.

France 24 - Ukrainian President Zelensky made the announcement regarding mid-range strikes on May 5, 2026.

France 24 - The Azov Brigade deployed a Hornet drone in Mariupol on May 8, 2026.

France 24 - A video showing eight successive strikes on Russian equipment was published on May 9, 2026.

WHY:

Kottke - Fatkullin expressed a sense of devotion to his country and aviation, stating, "Standing aside and doing nothing is impossible."

France 24 - The Hornet drone's AI capabilities make it less vulnerable to Russian signal jamming, allowing for strikes deep behind enemy lines.

HOW:

Kottke - Pilots use low-fi techniques, such as machine guns mounted in the planes' doorways, to shoot down drones.

France 24 - The Hornet drone is launched using a catapult and flies using an electric propeller motor, making it nearly silent.

France 24 - The Hornet drone can autonomously identify targets and strike using AI guidance, even without a connection to the pilot.

(UPDATED June 1, 2026 18:57 UTC)

Ukrainian pilot Timur Fatkullin is utilizing his acrobatic skills to shoot down Russian drones, while the Azov Brigade of the National Guard operates the Hornet drone, which has shown impressive capabilities in recent operations. This drone, costing $6,000, features a wingspan of 2 meters, a range of over 100 kilometers, and a success rate above 80%, making it a formidable asset in targeting logistics routes in Russian-occupied territory. President Zelensky recently announced a significant increase in mid-range strikes, with Ukraine quadrupling its number of such operations between February and April 2026.