One Lee County man working to help fighters in Ukraine found a way to get thermal cameras on drones, which are sent over there to assist with defense and logistics in combatting the Russian invasion.

It started with an online order for three drones. When Chris Allen, director of business development for Florida Drone Supply, located at 16335 S. Tamiami Trail, found out why that man was buying those drones, he talked with some of his coworkers about what they can do to help people in Ukraine.

“Currently, we’re shipping two sets of or two types of drones to Ukraine from two different manufacturers,” Allen said. “They’re being used from a military standpoint, either through the Ukrainian military or Territorial Defense, which is kind of their country militia, if you will, that they’re standing up and they’re requesting the equipment to logistic or liaison people across the border.”

Allen says they’re selling anywhere from five to 20 drones every week and they are all going to Ukraine.

“And these drones, which cost between $5 to $7,000, are giving Ukrainians a bird’s-eye view of what’s going on on the ground,” Allen said. “So, finding people that may be survivors in a war-torn section of the country, in Ukraine, or for tracking troop movements… like I said, it’s nearly invisible, nearly silent at night, the thermal cameras have a great reach, we can see people that may be embedded in tree lines, or different infantry movements or vehicle movements.”

Florida Drone Supply is also creating tutorials to teach users everything from turning the drone on to switching between camera sensors, and Allen says they are getting the tutorials translated into different languages spoken in Ukraine.

Bo Lysyj’s parents evacuated Ukraine during WWII. When the current war broke out, he wanted to help, so he went there ready to assist in any way he could. He learned of the Ukrainian fighters’ need for drones, which is where Florida Drone Supply came in.

“Florida Drone was quick to respond,” Lysyj said. “We had our initial discussion one day, and the next day they came back with an idea to establish a donation platform for drones going to Ukraine. I thought that was awesome.”

Lysyj found there is a need for drones because thermal drones can identify people buried under rubble and can also be used for surveillance.

“You can actually get positions to kind of gain a tactical advantage from a defense standpoint, or to see what’s coming, or citizens that may be in harm’s way that I could see, you know… three or four miles out, I can tell that something’s coming,” Allen said.

The Ukrainian fighters who receive the drones are appreciative of Lysyj sending them this technology to help fight and save lives.

“I was able to name them after my parents and grandparents and uncle, kind of like you would a ship,” Lysyj said. “So, in that sense, they’re back there helping the refugees of this generation, much like they were in their generation.”

Lysyj plans to go back to Ukraine in a few weeks with his son. He will bring another batch of drones along with him on the plane and deliver them in person.

Allen also says 5% of the money made from every drone sold for the purpose of helping Ukraine will be put into a separate fund so they can either purchase more drones for Ukraine or help purchase a drone for someone who can’t afford the one they want to send to Ukraine.

If you would like to help send drone equipment to Ukrainian soldiers, you can donate directly to Florida Drone Supply. The company accepts any amount.

Copyright ©2022 WINK Digital Media