Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly utilizing handheld gaming consoles, specifically the Steam Deck, to remotely control machine gun turrets on the battlefield. The Steam Deck, a device originally designed for gaming, is being repurposed to operate a high-caliber machine gun turret system known as the “Sabre,” a unique Ukrainian creation that was originally funded through crowdfunding campaigns in response to the 2014 Russian invasion.
Ukrainian soldier using Valve’s Steam Deck portable gaming console to fire a remote turret against Russian positions. pic.twitter.com/36qO9YFPuG
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) July 23, 2024
The Sabre turret, controlled via the Steam Deck, allows Ukrainian forces to engage enemy targets from a safe distance, minimizing the exposure of soldiers to direct fire. The system is designed for use against infantry and lightly armored targets, using either 7.62, M240, or M4 machine guns typically mounted on armored vehicles. The turret’s operation is remotely managed through a camera feed, which allows soldiers to identify and engage targets from a secure location. Ukrainian media outlet UNITED24 Media shared footage of the system, showing how the Steam Deck’s controls facilitate turret management.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have begun deploying remote turrets controlled via a Steam Deck. pic.twitter.com/Lhq6RmppPW
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) September 8, 2024
Crowdfunding efforts have played a significant role in Ukraine’s defense efforts, with the initial Sabre units being funded by donations as early as 2015.
This use of video game controllers in military settings is not unprecedented. The U.S. military, for example, has utilized Xbox controllers for remote operation of drones and unmanned vehicles. The accessibility, affordability, and intuitive design of gaming hardware make it an attractive option for militaries looking to control complex systems. The Steam Deck, with its native Linux operating system and responsive control scheme, has proven to be an effective tool for Ukrainian forces in their continued resistance against Russian forces.
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