Russian forces deployed a platoon of robotic mini-tanks with automatic grenade launchers in an assault on Ukrainian positions around Berdychi, near the devastated city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. This marked the first-ever combat deployment of armed unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in a major mechanized attack, touted by one Russian propagandist as a “smashing success.” However, contrary to these claims, Ukrainian forces were able to neutralize and destroy at least two of the five or six Russian UGVs utilizing their own aerial drones.
Video of Russian combat UGV’s, which have an AGS-17/30 automatic grenade launcher attached to them and also appear to be able to set TM-62 anti-armor mines, being destroyed by UAV’s from the AFU 47th Mechanized Brigade in the area of #Avdiivka.#OSINT #UkraineRussiaWar… pic.twitter.com/6ZE1h824aF
— OSINT (Uri)
(@UKikaski) March 30, 2024
The Russian UGVs, equipped with 33-inch AGS-17 grenade launchers, were part of Russia’s continued assaults in the area. Despite initial reports of their effectiveness in supporting assault operations by firing several hundred grenades, Ukrainian forces demonstrated a tactical advantage. The 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian army managed to jam or damage at least two of the robots, then deployed tiny first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to destroy them.
Future war -Russia used Robots in Ukraine .
Russian UGV’s ( Robot platform) armed with AGS-17 30mm grenade launchers. pic.twitter.com/ZcRGtchpPv
— ᴀʀᴄʜɪᴇ (@archersaggi) March 31, 2024
Ukraine’s innovative response to a firepower deficit—attributed to a block on U.S. aid by certain political factions—has been the mass production of FPV drones. These drones, equipped with grenade or rocket warheads, have been used effectively against Russian forces, demonstrating a significant edge over Russian radio-jammers and enhancing the Ukrainian military’s capability to repel large-scale assaults.
Both Russia and Ukraine have heavily invested in uncrewed vehicles, including those designed for combat and logistics tasks. The encounter also highlights the ongoing innovation on both sides, with Ukraine developing its own UGVs for combat missions, such as the “Ironclad” unmanned robot, equipped with a machine gun for assault and reconnaissance missions.
As the conflict progresses, the use of UGVs and the tactics for their integration into battlefield operations continue to evolve. Both sides are exploring ways to make these vehicles operate more autonomously, potentially changing the dynamics of ground combat. However, as demonstrated by the recent engagement, the effectiveness of UGVs against sophisticated drone warfare remains a critical challenge
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