Russian military uses DJI drones as well new videos show
On social media, specifically Telegram, there are many photos and videos available that show the Russian military using off-the-shelf DJI drones in Ukraine.
Journalist Faine Greenwood recently found videos on Telegram showing members of the Russian military showing off various DJI drones, including an original DJI Mavic Pro and a DJI Phantom 4.
“There's now a treasure-trove of evidence out there on Telegram and other social media channels that indicate that Russian and Russia-backed forces are also using DJI drones widely, too,” Greenwood reports.
One of the first pieces of evidence that Russian soldiers were in fact using DJI drones came in this tweet from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It said:
“In Kharkiv, the Guards captured a reconnaissance group 🇷🇺 trying to infiltrate the territory of one of the units. The occupiers had small arms, sniper rifles, drones for aerial photography, hand and smoke grenades, GGG cartridges cal.308 Win, tactical equipment, money and documents.”
In the accompanying photos, we can clearly see a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise drone, recognizable by its orange bands on the front arms as well as the removable plate on the top.
Videos showing DJI drones in use by Russian military
Russian soldier shows DJI Phantom drone
In this video, a Russian soldier shows a DJI Phantom 4 drone that reportedly was donated in support of the cause. There is also a photo of what seems to be the same soldier holding a DJI Mini 2 box.
Russian military unit shows off DJI Mavic Pro
This short video shows a Russian military unit with its supplies, weapons, and a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Colonel Olga “Korsa” shows DJI Mavic Pro drone
In this video, Colonel Olga “Korsa”, reportedly the “commander of the artillery battalion of the MLRS NM DPR” expresses her gratitude for the donations that include at least one DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Powerful DJI Matrice 300 RTK in Russian hands
In the description of the following video, it says: “A powerful drone appeared in service with the People's Militia of the DPR. The People's Militia of the DPR continues to work with public organizations. Thus, the public organization “VECHE” handed over to the defenders of Donbass a powerful unmanned aerial vehicle DJI Matrice 300 RTK, equipped with a camera with a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, and a powerful optical zoom, which allows you to accurately adjust fire on enemy forces day and night, destroying Ukrainian Nazis who are firing on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic.”
Greenwood has found many more photos and evidence of DJI drones being used by the Russian military. Follow the link to read her entire article.
What do you think about DJI drones being used by the Russian military? Do you think drone maker DJI should have taken a more proactive approach and should stop selling drones to Russia? Let us know what you think and what DJI should do in the comments below. We're curious to hear what you think.
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