Defender of the Horizon: a conversation with the commander of the FPV drone workshop of the "Nachtigall" battalion

In the world of RBTNK, there are 6 characters who together fight for victory: Defender, Medic, Rescuer (front), and Volunteer, Journalist, Worker (rear). These superheroes are among us: with their backgrounds, skills, and superpowers — different, but united by a common goal. We want the RBTNK community to know more about them. So in the new section Superheroes, we talk to our heroes about important things: why they chose this role, what their mission is, their dreams, and the artifacts that help them hold on.

Today we are talking to Hanna — a friend of Horizon, the commander of a section in the engineering workshop of the Nakhitgal unmanned systems battalion of the 20th operational brigade "Lyubart" of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov."

Hello, Hanna. Tell us more about your work.

I am the commander of a section in the engineering workshop of the Nakhitgal unmanned systems battalion of the Lyubart operational brigade. We focus on improving the lives of FPV pilots in position: we set up drones, modify them to meet our pilots' needs, test and determine for which tasks they are best used, create our own relays, our own ground stations, and assemble deliveries to the positions with ready drones, etc. My direct responsibility is to ensure that all drones leave the workshop ready for mission execution.

A big part of my job is communication with other units that deal with drones. We are always looking for new interesting engineering solutions to constantly improve the operational range and "teach" drones to work in special conditions (for example, despite electronic warfare).

What is your mission?

Improving the pilot's life in position. So they can think about their task and their safety there, not about setting up the drone. Every detail in this work matters. And currently, my daily mission is to work through all the details of the job. FPV before they reach the positions.

And the global mission — to save as many of our lives as possible and to destroy as many enemy lives as possible.

“I work so that the pilot in position can think about their task and their safety, not about setting up the drone.”

Why did you choose this role in the war?

Rather, she chose me, not the other way around. I came in as a pilot (and was the first girl in the unit), but the guys suggested starting in the workshop. I did well, and it felt like I was already in my place.

So what did you do in civilian life?

I drew cartoons and graphics for mobile applications, engaged in sports, competed in bodybuilding competitions, and was a trainer at the gym.

How do you think we can build a bridge between the rear and the front?

The understanding that your rear can become the front tomorrow if you don’t start acting is the main bridge between the front and the rear. And where this understanding exists, the gap is not felt. Also, love and pride for something common is a good unifying factor. Thus, the formation of national consciousness and the revival of historical memory are also a great bridge. 

“A good unifying factor between the rear and the front is love and pride for something common.”

What gives you faith and stubbornness?

The understanding that, thanks to my actions and the actions of my brothers and sisters in arms, the time is approaching when we can all live, love, and dream in safety.

What do you dream about now?

About peace and security. That’s why I try to do my best to hold back the enemy and disrupt their plans. I dream that we develop and implement new technologies ahead of the enemy. I dream that my children will not know what Russia is.

“I dream that my children will not know what Russia is.”

Share your favorite work story.

In fact, there are many good stories :) They are all about support and mutual aid.

I remember my excitement after spending two days assembling a drone carrier for a repeater (even though I had no idea what it was or how it worked), and during the test, it performed wonderfully. Or that one time I discovered at midnight that one of the critical drone components wasn’t working, and by morning the drones had to be in position and operational. And at midnight, people I barely knew helped me find those components all over the city (and we found them).

There were many funny moments when I took my dog to work or school. He is not thrilled about drones, but when a drone got lost somewhere in the field, he would immediately run to find it.

What artifacts are always with you?

I always have my little dog with me, a patch with the words “You wanted this land, so now blend in with it,” a pink remote for FPV, and now your token too.

What does your token say?

These are the words of Lina Kostenko: “The winged ground is not needed.” For me, this phrase symbolizes adaptability and the ability to achieve goals even in the absence of resources.

And lastly: if you could become any character in a game — who would you choose?

In games, I always chose the archer or the mage. Remote combat support. I think my role is the same now :)

Wear symbols that unite. Order the RBTNK token, like in Horizon, and join our community.

Text: Victoria Safronova

Photo: Artem Komendant

Style: Horizon