Two members of the Romanian combat group Getica, part of the International Legion in Ukraine, were injured in the Zaporizhia region, in the Orikhiv area, after a Russian FPV drone, used as an improvised explosive device, was detonated under their vehicle during a rescue mission.
The two volunteers were in an operation to extract a frontline infantry team. The incident, which took place on June 17, was reported by Romanian Battlegroup Getica on social media.
Drone detonated under the engine: explosion could have been fatal
The transport was done with an unarmored off-road vehicle, but equipped with an anti-drone jamming system. In the last few hundred meters, the vehicle approached Russian positions, and an FPV drone connected via fiber optics - a technology difficult to jam - was remotely activated and exploded under the engine block.
According to the Getica group, "the shock felt in the cabin inflated the floor, crushed the dashboard, and activated all airbags."
Both fighters managed to leave the vehicle and retreat on foot about 3 kilometers to a safe position.
One of them suffered serious leg injuries, a concussion, and hearing problems, being hospitalized for a week. The other was lightly injured and discharged the next day.
The Getica group emphasizes that "if the explosion had occurred a fraction of a second later, under the passenger seats, the tragedy would have been much greater."
The "Roxy" vehicle was completely destroyed
The vehicle involved, symbolically named "Roxy," had previously saved the lives of other comrades. It was completely destroyed in the following days, the target of multiple FPV drone attacks and ultimately set on fire. "If there were medals for military vehicles, Roxy would deserve the most important medal," members of the group conveyed.
The team that was supposed to be evacuated remained isolated on the front line for over 12 days before being successfully extracted. The incident highlighted the major risks of these missions and the increasing vulnerability to the new generation of improvised weapons.
Warning about Russia's new tactic
The Getica group draws attention to an evolving Russian tactic: the use of FPV drones connected via fiber optics, transformed into mine-type explosive traps. This method allows for avoiding traditional jamming and poses a major risk to all patrol or extraction missions. According to the Romanian fighters, this is one of the first documented cases in which such devices are systematically used for route mining.
"The above incident reminds us that danger in the conflict zone is present at any moment and in any combat role, not just in the front lines and trenches," the Getica group stated in their communication.