Explosive Ukrainian drones have successfully taken out Russian combat robots in the eastern city of Avdiivka, a hotspot of fighting in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The use of ground-based robots armed with automatic grenade launchers by Russian forces has been confirmed by Kyiv’s 47th Mechanized Brigade, and Ukraine retaliated by targeting and destroying two of these combat robots using first-person-view drones. This development indicates that smaller ground drones are likely to play a significant role in future conflicts. Both Russia and Ukraine have heavily invested in uncrewed vehicles, with a focus on using drones to keep soldiers away from dangerous missions.
The footage released by Ukraine’s military shows UGVs being targeted and incapacitated by Ukrainian drones, highlighting the increasing use of small, light combat and logistics ground drones across front lines. These drones, many of which are homemade by troops or volunteer organizations, feature rudimentary designs that can be quickly assembled and replaced if necessary. As more drones are used in combat, both sides will need to develop tactics and concepts for integrating them into assault and battlefield operations to reduce the risk to human fighters.
It is unclear from the video whether the Russian UGVs targeted were operating independently or alongside troops. With the prevalence of reconnaissance and surveillance drones in the air, larger and more sophisticated UGVs like Russia’s “Marker” may not be viable on the battlefield in the near future. Both Russia and Ukraine are striving to develop UGVs that can operate autonomously and effectively in combat. Ukraine has already tested its “Ironclad” unmanned robot equipped with a machine gun in combat missions, with the ability to provide fire support, conduct reconnaissance, and assault enemy positions.
With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the use of drones and UGVs is expected to become more prevalent as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in the war effort. The ability of drones to quickly identify and destroy ground robots provides a strategic advantage on the battlefield. As technology continues to evolve, the development and deployment of UGVs will likely shape the future of warfare, with emphasis on reducing the risk to human soldiers and enhancing combat capabilities. Both Russia and Ukraine are at the forefront of this technological revolution, showcasing the importance of unmanned vehicles in modern warfare.
