What a Ukrainian drone operator wears on the front: from anti-drone weapons to “Tactical Crocs”
The war in Ukraine is not only fought with tanks and missiles, but also with scissors, duct tape and…Crocs. A former Ukrainian drone operator, Dimko Jluktenko, recently offered a rare look at the equipment he went into battle with Russian forces, revealing a surprising mix of cutting-edge technology and improvised solutions, but essential for survival, writes Business Insider.
Dimko Jluktenko, former Ukrainian drone operator/FOTO:X
Jluktenko, who until recently operated drones on the front lines and is now an analyst with the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine, explained to the Western media what items he considers vital to remain alive, functional and effective in a technology-dominated war.
Although his role has changed, he continues to wear much of this carefully chosen gear, emphasizing that most of the pieces are not military standard, but personally selected.
“Government-provided equipment is sometimes good, but not always the right fit. The Army trusts that soldiers know what works best for them,” he says.
High-tech war, low-tech solutions
The conflict in Ukraine has become a laboratory of military improvisation. In the face of sophisticated drones and electronic warfare, soldiers often resort to simple solutions. As a drone operator, Jluktenko always carried a pair of scissors—not for mundane use, but to cut the cables of Russian fiber-optic drones, increasingly common on the battlefield.
These drones are resistant to jamming, and cutting the cord has become “standard procedure” in areas saturated with such devices. The order is clear: every cable seen must be cut, whether it belongs to an enemy drone or not.
In order not to lose his scissors, Jluktenko bought retractable systems for the whole team.
Old weaponry adapted to a new war
As a firearm, he used a Soviet-designed submachine gun, older than himself. Although technologically outdated, the weapon has been modified, with replaced internal components and a grip produced by a Ukrainian company, for better control.
The role of the weapon is not direct combat, but neutralization of drones that cannot be brought down by other means. “Fire exchanges are rare. Drones are the real threat,” he explains.
For precision, he wears grippy silicone gloves that allow him to delicately maneuver the drone's controls, a mechanical compass — as Russian electronic warfare affects digital devices — and sunglasses, essential for spotting his drone in the sky.
Comfort, a condition of survival
A detail that attracted attention was the footwear. Jluktenko wears a pair of Crocs-like shoes made by the Ukrainian company M-Tac, which he calls, not without irony, “Tactical Crocs.”
“You can't stay in military boots all day”he says. It only uses them when the risk is low. On missions, he wears German Lowa boots with orthopedic insoles, which he can wear for hours without pain.
In his rucksack he also has disinfectant, a multitool with knife and spoon, as well as a cap for sun protection.
Technology for a drone war
His equipment includes a drone detector, which scans radio frequencies and can warn of approaching drones, sometimes even displaying the image transmitted by enemy aircraft.
Although the military has centralized warning systems, they can miss some FPV drones that appear suddenly. “These detectors are becoming essential,” he says.
Jluktenko also uses a Motorola walkie-talkie, night vision goggles for night operations, and a chest-mounted GoPro camera to later analyze his actions, “like a sports team.”
Among the latest acquisitions is a Ukrainian MITLA anti-drone weapon, which launches a net designed to jam drone propellers. It's a recently released disposable that he hasn't had to use yet.
And, of course, duct tape: “there's always something to fix.”
Protection, more important than anything
The most important piece of equipment, however, remains the bulletproof vest. Jluktenko chose it personally, considering that the standard one did not suit him.
He uses an M-Tac vest, complete with a weight distribution system from the company Balistyka, which allows him to move more freely. Because most wounds are caused by shrapnel, he added extra panels for the abdomen, spine, ribs and hips—areas difficult to treat with tourniquets.
He wears ballistic goggles, a lightweight Team Wendy night vision compatible helmet, and several tourniquets and bandages. While medical evacuation can be delayed, they are, he says, “among the most important things to stay alive.”
Details that make the difference
The equipment also includes an old, slightly rusty but functional knife, plastic collars and padlocks – useful for securing abandoned positions – as well as flashlights with white and red light, produced by a Ukrainian company that provides them for free to soldiers.
Dimko Jluktenko's story illustrates a simple truth of modern warfare: survival depends not only on sophisticated weapons, but on adaptability, ingenuity and attention to the smallest details, concludes Business Insider.
