https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/ukraine-rescues-soldier-via-drone-delivery-of-complete-e-bike/ Skip to content Ars Technica home Sections Forum Subscribe Search * AI * Biz & IT * Cars * Culture * Gaming * Health * Policy * Science * Security * Space * Tech * Feature * Reviews * AI * Biz & IT * Cars * Culture * Gaming * Health * Policy * Science * Security * Space * Tech Forum Subscribe Story text Size [Standard] Width * [Standard] Links [Standard] * Subscribers only Learn more Pin to story Theme * HyperLight * Day & Night * Dark * System Search dialog... Sign In Sign in dialog... Sign in Rapid delivery Ukraine rescues soldier via drone delivery of complete e-bike Drones can now carry significant payloads. Nate Anderson - Aug 1, 2025 3:32 pm | 40 Photo of the drone and e-bike in question. Photo of the drone and e-bike in question. A heavy bomber drone lifting an e-bike into the air. A heavy bomber drone lifting an e-bike into the air. Text settings Story text Size [Standard] Width * [Standard] Links [Standard] * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The Russian invasion of Ukraine has placed unbelievable pressure on drone developers on both sides of the war, who have responded with astounding innovations that include: * fiber-optic drones (to prevent radio jamming) * kamikaze sea drones, eventually equipped with anti-air missiles * drones that fire shotguns * bomber drones that drop mines and grenades * drones that release flaming thermite into trenches * long-range, aircraft-style drones that can substitute for small cruise missiles * interceptor drones that hunt down other drones * first-person view (FPV) drones so maneuverable they can be piloted right through a broken window pane to hit indoor targets * ground drones for both combat and transport Many drone developers are now chasing the next big thing--AI built right into the drone, allowing it to make autonomous targeting decisions if its communication links are cut. But sometimes you don't need high-tech software, agility, or stealth. Sometimes, you just need a really, really big drone that can carry an entire e-bike and deliver it to a soldier stranded several kilometers away. Ukraine's 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade of the National Guard, dubbed "Rubizh," has just shared video of a large quadcopter drone that it used to conduct just such a mission. (And, because this is modern warfare, you can watch a 16-minute video about the operation on the brigade's YouTube channel.) Details from a frontline war zone are almost impossible to verify, but the brigade has shared plenty of footage, including shots of the drone lifting the bike and a soldier riding it back to safety along a treeline. (Both sides are now making widespread use of e-bikes and motorcycles for quick infantry assaults after three years of drone warfare have wiped out many of the traditional armored vehicles.) Photo of drone command center. The drone command center that ran the operation. In their telling, a soldier with the callsign "Tankist" was holding a frontline position that came under attack, and a number of his comrades were killed. Tankist found himself cut off from safety and had to hold the position alone for several days. To retrieve him, brigade staff devised a plan to deliver an e-bike via heavy bomber drone. The first drone was shot down, while the second failed under the weight. But the third attempt was successful, and Tankist was finally able to zip back toward Ukrainian lines. (He apparently hit a landmine on the way and survived that, too, finishing the trip on a second delivered e-bike.) Amazon, of course, has had "drone delivery" in view for years and is currently testing delivery drones at locations around the US, including Pontiac, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Waco, Texas. But these drones will only deliver packages weighing under 5 lbs--an e-bike weighs considerably more. Photo of Nate Anderson Nate Anderson Deputy Editor Nate Anderson Deputy Editor Nate is the deputy editor at Ars Technica. His most recent book is In Emergency, Break Glass: What Nietzsche Can Teach Us About Joyful Living in a Tech-Saturated World, which is much funnier than it sounds. 40 Comments Comments Forum view Loading Loading comments... Prev story Next story Most Read 1. Listing image for first story in Most Read: Peacock feathers can emit laser beams 1. Peacock feathers can emit laser beams 2. 2. Man had a cross tattooed on his neck--it vanished, then his flesh started dying 3. 3. China claims Nvidia built backdoor into H20 chip designed for Chinese market 4. 4. Google loses app store antitrust appeal, must make sweeping changes to Play Store 5. 5. Developer survey shows trust in AI coding tools is falling as usage rises Customize Ars Technica has been separating the signal from the noise for over 25 years. With our unique combination of technical savvy and wide-ranging interest in the technological arts and sciences, Ars is the trusted source in a sea of information. After all, you don't need to know everything, only what's important. More from Ars * About Us * Staff Directory * Newsletters * General FAQ * Posting Guidelines * RSS Feeds Contact * Contact us * Advertise with us * Reprints Manage Preferences (c) 2025 Conde Nast. All rights reserved. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Ars Technica Addendum and Your California Privacy Rights. Ars Technica may earn compensation on sales from links on this site. Read our affiliate link policy. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Conde Nast. Ad Choices