Ukraine tests ground robots armed with twin Kalashnikov rifles
Units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces have begun combat testing new armed unmanned ground vehicles equipped with robotic turrets and Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, the Defense Ministry said.
Ukraine’s Defense Forces have commenced combat testing of new armed unmanned ground vehicles, as announced by the Defense Ministry. These strike systems, developed under the specifications provided by Ukraine’s defense technology cluster Brave1, were made possible through grant funding. Developers managed to transform the initial concept into a functional prototype within less than six months, according to the ministry.
The robotic turrets on these armed ground systems are equipped with Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, a choice that not only reduces production costs but also enables rapid scaling of deployment along the frontlines. The system’s design includes a four-wheel chassis with airless tires and a protected hull, making it resistant to shrapnel, bullets, and punctures while maintaining maneuverability over challenging terrain.
The turret system’s twin configuration, capable of mounting two rifles simultaneously, significantly boosts the volume of fire during both offensive and defensive operations against enemy infantry.
The weapons module’s versatility allows for installation on various wheeled and tracked unmanned ground vehicles. Ukrainian Defense Forces units are currently putting these systems through their paces in combat conditions, with confirmed instances of the unmanned ground vehicles successfully countering enemy ambushes involving drones, according to the ministry.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
