Russia has shifted its military focus from using air-based drones to using land-based robots, such as the new Russian kamikaze robot Scorpion-M. The Scorpion-M is able to carry up to 55 pounds of explosives and has been heavily used in recent months, particularly in the Donetsk region. While this weapon has seen some success in destroying enemy strongholds and firing weapons, experts like Christopher Alexander note the challenges in using ground-based robots effectively, citing difficulties in supervising engagements and the high cost per unit.
The increased use of ground drones by Russia may be due to Ukraine’s heavy investment in anti-air weapons, which are intended to detect and shoot down air drones. This has left a gap in Ukraine’s defenses, creating an opportunity for Russia to exploit with land-based drones like the Scorpion-M. The advantage of using ground drones lies in the difficulty of jamming their communications compared to air drones, which are more vulnerable to interference in the electromagnetic spectrum. Despite this advantage, experts like Alexander remain skeptical of the long-term effectiveness of deploying ground drones at battalion levels.
Ukraine has also explored the use of ground robots, using them in new ways to attack Russian positions. For example, a drone was used to carry an explosive charge under a Russian bridge before detonating. Nataliia Kushnerska, head of the Ukrainian government organization Bravel, has made the development of ground robots a top priority to catch up with other unmanned systems. The focus is on creating unmanned ground vehicles for transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefield, as communication with the military has revealed that many losses occur during evacuation missions.
While ground drones have shown some success in certain tactical situations, the overall effectiveness of these weapons remains uncertain. Alexander points out the challenges in deploying ground drones effectively, particularly at higher levels of military operations. The limitations of ground drones in terms of cost, supervision, and maneuverability pose significant obstacles to their widespread adoption in modern warfare. Despite some success stories, such as the use of ground drones by both Russia and Ukraine in specific combat scenarios, the future of these weapons remains uncertain in the face of evolving technological challenges.
