Ukrainian forces convert Autel drone into Baby Bayraktar to surprise Russian troops

The Ukrainian armed forces have converted an Autel drone into a Baby Bayraktar to drop explosives on the invading Russian forces.

In one video that was shared on Twitter, we can see a modified Autel Robotics drone with a release mechanism that drops a small explosive onto unsuspecting Russian troops.

Modified Autel drone turns into Baby Bayraktar

It was only a matter of time before “commercial off-the-shelf” (COTS) drones would be utilized in acts of violence.

We have seen it before with this modified DJI drone ready to drop Molotov cocktails from the air.

To operate a device that drops objects on command, remote-controlled drop mechanisms may be purchased ready-made. It is not surprising to see such mechanisms used during times of war to attack the enemy from a safe distance.

In past years, jihadist militants have used commercially available drones to launch attacks in Iraq and Syria.

It’s remarkable that the video below doesn’t show a more common DJI drone, but one from Autel Robotics instead.

This drone has a similar flight performance to the popular DJI Mavic 2, but it has one major advantage: It is undetectable by DJI’s controversial AeroScope radar.

Furthermore, Autel drones can be used virtually anywhere in Ukraine because they don’t have any geofence restrictions built-in.

The video, posted by weapons analyst Caliber Obscura, shows the drop mechanism being tested inside a building for the first time. Followed by a shot from above of an apparent drone-dropped explosive.

A “Baby Bayraktar,” a reference to the Turkish military drones that the Ukrainian armed forces have employed with great success since the start of the war, is mentioned in the description.

Autel Robotics responds to the Baby Bayraktar video

The company maintains that it is not involved in the manufacture or use of its products for any unlawful purpose: The firm distances itself from using its items for any violent cause, according to a statement from Autel Robotics.

Response to Media Claims of Harmful Use of Drones in Ukraine

Recently, there have been media reports that drones have been employed for violent attacks on people and property in areas in or near to Ukraine. We are aware that at least one unconfirmed report has mentioned an Autel Robotics drone product in this context.

Autel Robotics is unable to confirm the validity of any of these reports. We are monitoring this story, but currently we do not have any information to add to what is already available online.

Autel Robotics strongly deplores the use of any drone product to harm people or property, and we do not manufacture any product designed for such applications.

Autel Robotics manufactures consumer and enterprise drones that are strictly intended for peaceful and non-violent purposes, such as creative video and photography, surveying, traffic monitoring, Search and Rescue, prompt delivery of emergency supplies, surveillance, and exploration.

We have always advocated peaceful and creative uses of Drone Technology. Autel Robotics endeavors to educate users in safe, respectful and humane use of all its drone products, in the firm belief that this can help make a better world for all of us. The Autel Robotics website contains numerous accounts of peaceful use of drones in applications as diverse as film-making, falconry, accident reconstruction, and law enforcement.

What do you think of the so-called Baby Bayraktar made from an off-the-shelf Autel drone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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