Ukraine Deploys Ground Robots to Replace Soldiers in Dangerous Missions
Ukraine's defense forces are increasingly using unmanned ground systems to reduce troop casualties. At least 50,000 such robotic complexes are planned to be produced this year.
Ukraine's defense forces are increasingly relying on unmanned ground systems to carry out the most dangerous tasks on the battlefield. According to Bloomberg, the primary goal is to reduce troop casualties. The machines have already been used in combat, including in the Donetsk direction.
In one episode, a robotic flamethrower platform ignited vegetation around Russian positions during an assault by Russian strike units. After the area burned, Ukrainian infantry completed the defensive operation with small arms. The robot was operated by the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, one of the first units to deploy such technology.
According to soldiers, ground platforms can be fitted with machine guns, grenade launchers, flamethrowers, and other weapons. Ukrainian officials plan to produce at least 50,000 of these robotic complexes this year.
Another milestone came when a naval drone was used for the first time to deliver a ground combat robot. In July, the remotely controlled platform Wolly 7.62 reached the Kinburn Spit, opened fire on Russian positions, and forced the enemy to abandon part of the coastline. The robot was destroyed after completing its mission.
As the Bloomberg article notes, the robots can perform a wide range of tasks, from delivering ammunition and evacuating wounded to taking part in assaults and carrying out kamikaze-style attacks.
