A Ukrainian ground-based robotic platform armed with a Browning M2 heavy machine gun engaged a Russian MT-LB armored vehicle at point-blank range, the 5th Separate Assault Brigade reported. 

Reports indicate the engagement took place unexpectedly near the frontline while the Ukrainian unit was testing the ground drone under combat conditions.

The MT-LB’s armor ranges from 7–14 mm, while the M2’s armor-piercing rounds can penetrate up to 25 mm of steel at 500 meters. Given the close range, the strike was likely sufficient to breach the vehicle, though damage and casualties remain unconfirmed. 

Analysts note that while the use of ground robotic systems in Ukraine has expanded, their primary role remains logistical, including evacuating wounded soldiers and delivering supplies. 

In September, Ukrainian troops on the Kharkiv front used a ground robotic vehicle to evacuate a cat from the frontline.

Months earlier, soldiers reported using the Ardal Unmanned Ground Vehicle, developed by engineers from Ukraine’s Brave1 defense tech cluster, to evacuate wounded personnel from combat zones.