Russia has demonstrated the use of the Scorpion-M combat robot, designed for reconnaissance, mine clearance, and delivering explosive charges to enemy positions. The Scorpion-M, capable of carrying up to 25 kilograms of explosives, was used in a recent operation where it exploded over an underground stronghold of Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region.
A new Russian kamikaze UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) called “Scorpio-M” attacked a Ukrainian bunker.
The short wheelbase helps it navigate the cratered battlefield.
It resembles another small drone called Scorpion that weighs 17kg but claims to carry a 25kg destructive charge. pic.twitter.com/rfZDtVoFDW— Roy🇨🇦 (@GrandpaRoy2) May 18, 2024
Footage purportedly shows the Scorpion-M, deployed by the Russian Hawks detachment and the 110th Separate Guards Motorised Rifle Brigade, navigating difficult terrain before detonating over the target. Pro-war Russian accounts have praised the robot for its reliability and maneuverability.
The Scorpion-M represents a shift in military technology, moving from aerial drones to ground-based robots. Christopher Alexander, Chief Analytics Officer of Pioneer Development Group and a U.S. Army veteran, commented on the challenges of supervising ground-based robotic engagements. He noted the difficulty of maneuvering in tight, controlled spaces and the high cost of such units.
The use of land-based drones like the Scorpion-M has been driven in part by Ukraine’s strong anti-air defenses, which focus on detecting and neutralizing aerial threats. This shift has allowed Russia to exploit gaps in ground-level defenses, potentially avoiding issues with electromagnetic interference and jamming that affect aerial drones.
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