UWU: The Hawks’ New Drones Hunt the Enemy By Day and By Night

Ukrainians around the world have united again to supply new drones to their “Hawk” UAV battalions.  These Ukrainian-manufactured UAV bomber systems are built to destroy the invaders’ armored equipment and positions, by day or by night, and will equip three unmanned aerial strike units of brave defenders.  

There are many units that will benefit from this impressive drone delivery: there is the 411th Unmanned Aviation Battalion “Hawks” of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 109th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and not to forget the 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This latest impressive fundraising effort has provided the delivery of eighteen (18) Evanger long-range drone systems to three active units of the Ukrainian armed forces.  These machines together are worth over two hundred and sixty three thousand dollars. ($263,400.00 USD or 10.1 million UAH).

“UAVs are used to hit the enemy, striking where electronic warfare is not effective,” explained Mykhailo Kolykhalov, Head of Unmanned Aviation of the 411th “Hawks” battalion.  “And where the enemy least expects it!” he added.

It is a truly impressive effort and the latest to be organised through the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC).

“The Ukrainian World Congress and the global Ukrainian diaspora continue to invest in the independence of Ukraine,” remarked Andrew Potichnyj, the Director of the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative at the Ukrainian World Congress. 

By adding these 18 Evangers, Ukraine reinforces its ability to strike enemy targets from the sky, including Russian artillery guns and marauding soldiers.  

Mykhailo reports how “they are very accurate, lightweight and pilots love them.  These ‘birds’ are very effective,” he declared.  “They work non-stop until they are depleted, which is why we need more.”

Stanislav is a representative of the Ukrainian manufacturer of Evangers.  “At present we have hit more than two thousand targets with these UAVs,” he recalls.

Ukraine fully understands that the future of warfare is unmanned and autonomous. Ukrainians around the world are helping to finance these assets.  The UWC enables the project and its main goal is to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities, with the use of all available means. 

The Evanger UAV can take off from the hands of the crew member and it can land back softly to ground with a parachute system. The craft is battery powered, utilizes GPS tracking capabilities and has a ground control system. The Evanger’s maximum range is 80 km, with a tactical radius of 40 km, and it can fly for up to 80 minutes. Thanks to its wingspan of 2430 mm, the drone can reach a maximum altitude of 1500 m and attain a top speed of 38 meters per second. It is equipped with the Runcam Thumb Pro W 4K camera system, which can be deployed in under 10 minutes and carry a payload of up to 4 kg.

Oleh is a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war and now works as a UAV instructor.  He explains that, “essentially it preserves the operators’ lives, because its launch-recovery and return-to-base happens very quickly and efficiently.”

The “Hawks” thanked the UWC and “Unite with Ukraine” for their help.  Petro Pecheryk said that he wished to thank everyone who helps.  “We would like this assistance to grow, day by day, so we can maximize the destruction of the enemy,” he commented.

Ukrainian World Congress, on behalf of the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Ukrainian diaspora for their  unwavering support.  This extends to all partners, donors, and member organizations. Their constant and regular donations and financial support is invaluable, allowing them to continue their work of contributing to Ukraine’s defense!  

The Ukrainian World Congress, with the support of the 20-million-strong Ukrainian diaspora in over 80 countries, has again united into one powerful voice. This global unity has been instrumental in the continuing success of the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative.

The global “Unite With Ukraine” is the initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress focused on procuring and delivering essential tactical medical supplies, armored vehicles, drones, UAV complexes, and other vital equipment to support Ukraine’s defenders.

Since February 2022, the initiative has raised over $58.5 million from donors in over 70 countries to support Brigades of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Special Operations Forces, National Guard of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, Brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, State Emergency Service of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Yavoriv International Training Center for Peacekeeping and Security, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.