Privacy Policy

“Leleka-100”: Ukrainian quality on the battlefield

A fighter from their reconnaissance company under the pseudonym “Yatsyk” is an external pilot-operator of the Leleka-100 air defense system. According to him, this Ukrainian intelligence complex “shows itself very well on the battlefield.”

“It flies with a radius of up to 50 kilometers. Among the advantages is the fact that it is a domestic manufacturer and is currently one of the most widespread in the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” notes “Yatsyk.”

He emphasizes that the characteristics of the “Stork” allow it to operate in difficult weather conditions: during high wind speeds and in a wide temperature range – from −30 to +50 degrees. “Tested: no problems in two years. Other Ukrainian UAVs are somewhat inferior to it in this regard,” the paratrooper shares his experience. Their company’s aircraft has enlarged batteries and modified wings, allowing it to stay in the air for up to three hours.

The task of the “wing”: from artillery detection to fire adjustment

The main tasks of the “Stork-100” at the front are to detect enemy artillery, transport, and armored vehicles and track their movements.

“When we found the target and transmitted information, we immediately received the task, tested fire control – our means of destruction were practiced very often and with great quality. It pleased all of us when you see the result from the sky,” says “Yatsyk.”

He explains the difference between the “wing” and copters: copters have a shorter radius and flight time, so they are better suited for infantry and searching for low-visibility targets. Instead, the “wing” operates on large objects at a considerable distance from the front line – from 20 km and deeper. The furthest flight of “Yatsyk” on “Leletsa” is 54 kilometers in the Zaporizhia direction. Then their UAV was pursued by two enemy air defense missiles, which, fortunately, did not reach their target thanks to the skill of the operator, who noticed the threat in time.

Teamwork and the “sixth sense” of a scout

“Yatsyk” emphasizes: working with the complex is always a team effort. “The camera operator’s skills are very important – he must notice the threat in time and give a signal for the pilot to take the “bird” out of the impact zone. Here you need to have not just vision, but a real sixth sense – to see what others would not even pay attention to.”

Sometimes you have to solve difficult tasks of finding a place for takeoff and landing: “Leleka” needs a flat area, because it lands “like a real plane.” But even in emergency situations, the crew finds a solution — like when landing on a seven-meter tree above a river. The “bird” was returned.

The strongest emotion for a scout is the moment when you see the consequences of your work.

“It’s hard to put into words – when the target you discovered is torn apart and destroyed in front of you. You want to feel such emotions again and again,” says “Yatsyk.”

He especially remembered the moment when an enemy cannon was hit along with its ammunition at the moment of loading: “It was very spectacular: a piece of the cannon was flying, a body was flying… Our number three, the one who was on communications, jumped up and hit his head on the doorframe in the dugout. It was fun.”

According to him, such moments add motivation: “After each well-aimed hit, you want more. And you want to go faster to the sky.”

Continuous learning and the future of aerial reconnaissance

Working with Leleka-100, as with any complex system, is continuous learning. Every flight, every technical malfunction is an experience that turns the crew into professionals.

“Yatsyk” is convinced: aerial reconnaissance is the future. It is technical means that will increasingly replace classic infantry reconnaissance.