Russian Van Zig-Zags While Being Chased by Drone in 'Insane' Video

A video of a Russian van being chased by a drone has gone viral on social media.

The remarkable point-of-view video shot from the drone shows a Russian van driving down a remote road as it is being pursued. A Russian soldier can be seen attempting to shoot the drone down, initially hanging from the window, and the vehicle loops around and attempts to flee in another direction. As it tries to speed away, the drone gets in even closer and one of the van doors opens while it is still moving before the video cuts.

The clip was posted on X, formerly Twitter, by user @Osintechnical, and is accompanied by the caption: "The Escadrone group continues to release completely insane footage. Seen here, a Ukrainian FPV munition chases down a Russian Bukhanka, doing loops around it while one of the passengers leans out the window, attempting to shoot it down with an AK, before it scores a direct hit."

Escadrone is a non-profit group organized in Ukraine in 2022 that manufactures first-person view (FPV) attack drones. The name Escadrone is a portmanteau of 'eskadron,' Ukrainian for cavalry squadron, and 'drone.' According to a report by Forbes earlier this year, Escadrone is now making 1,500 units a month, at a cost of just $462 each.

FPVs are a type of racing drone, which in this case has been modified, usually to carry an anti-tank grenade or other small weapon. Equivalent models made in the U.S. can cost around $60,000, meaning these practically homemade war weapons don't leave Ukraine's coffers empty.

The drone operator has the ability to locate and track targets beyond the drone's direct line of sight. This makes it difficult for targets to avoid it by hiding behind trees or buildings or executing sharp turns.

Some modified FPVs can go as fast as 60mph, meaning they can swiftly reach an area to intercept a target or, if required, engage in pursuit. While the FPV's maximum range is approximately eight miles—less than artillery, it is still sufficient to traverse Russian lines and disrupt incoming supplies.

In other videos posted by Escadrone, drone operators can be seen attempting head-on strikes with vehicle drivers through the windscreen, or forcing trucks to make dramatic U-turns before launching at them.

"We at Escadrone are patriots of Ukraine who want to help the Ukrainian Army to defend our peoples and our homes," an Escadrone spokesperson told Forbes. "We had an idea that FPV drones could be a cheap weapon, which would save many lives of Ukrainian soldiers."

Newsweek has contacted Escadrone for comment via email.

Uncommon Knowledge

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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