Сучасні технології в інженерних підрозділах!

In this interview, Senior Lieutenant Borys Polyaka, an officer from the 49th Separate Support Forces Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, discusses the critical role of engineering support and remote mining in modern warfare. He explains that remote mining involves using drones to precisely deploy mines at specific coordinates identified during reconnaissance. This method allows forces to rapidly establish minefields or block enemy movement routes without requiring sappers to be physically present in hazardous areas, significantly reducing the risk to personnel.

The brigade’s engineering work encompasses both offensive and defensive operations, including demining, creating defensive barriers, and facilitating the movement of friendly troops. Polyaka highlights the use of "Vampire" heavy bomber drones, which are valued for their stability, ability to carry significant payloads, and effectiveness in various weather conditions, including night operations. He notes that modern ammunition used in these operations is equipped with sophisticated safety mechanisms, such as self-destruction or self-deactivation features, which trigger based on specific conditions like pressure or magnetic field changes rather than simple impact.

Polyaka emphasizes that the brigade’s uniqueness lies in its integration of traditional engineering expertise with modern unmanned systems. He explains that the role of the modern engineer has evolved to include drone operation, allowing for a more technological approach to combat. Furthermore, the brigade is currently incorporating ground-based robotic platforms, such as the "Termite" (a tracked vehicle used for demining, evacuation, and mining) and the "Cockroach" (a smaller wheeled platform).

Addressing the future of warfare, Polyaka asserts that drones now perform approximately 90% of mining activities. He concludes that shifting these dangerous tasks to unmanned systems is essential for preserving the lives of soldiers, as it minimizes the need for personnel to operate in open, high-risk terrain exposed to enemy artillery and surveillance. The brigade continues to adapt its tactics daily, evolving alongside the enemy to maintain operational effectiveness and maximize impact on the battlefield.