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Ukraine uses near-real-time satellite imagery to strike Russian drone pilots

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Drone pilots used near-real-time satellite imagery to locate and strike Russian drone pilots sleeping in a house in southern Ukraine.
A fresh satellite image showed a white vehicle in the driveway and identified the pilot’s call sign as Tikhi.
Ukraine says the near-real-time satellite system let pilots park a truck 30 miles away, assemble a drone with bombs, and strike depots, hubs and encampments in Russian-held territory and Russia itself.

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Story summary

Drone pilots used near-real-time satellite imagery to locate and strike Russian drone pilots sleeping in a house in southern Ukraine.
A fresh satellite image showed a white vehicle in the driveway and identified the pilot’s call sign as Tikhi.
Ukraine says the near-real-time satellite system let pilots park a truck 30 miles away, assemble a drone with bombs, and strike depots, hubs and encampments in Russian-held territory and Russia itself.