Ukraine is turning heavy bomber drones into supply haulers as front-line logistics become too dangerous for humans

By

Jake Epstein

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UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Ukraine — The heavy bomber drone rose from the ground in a blast of dust and debris, its propellers whirring over the empty training range.The drone, called "Max," was initially designed for a brutal battlefield task: hovering over Russian positions and dropping explosives. It can carry more than 90 pounds, enough to deliver a devastating blow.But now its job is changing.Like other drones made by Ukrainian manufacturer Perun, Max is increasingly being used for logistics missions, carrying supplies instead of bombs across a fiercely contested battlefield where vehicles, troops, and supply routes are under constant threat."Bombers are now being used more and more for logistics," a Perun engineer, who requested to be identified as Petro for security reasons, told Business Insider at the range at a secret location in Ukraine last month.In Ukraine, drones are constantly watching from above, and soldiers have described the front lines as a widening "kill zone" that extends for miles on both sides. Here, any movement can trigger a fatal strike.