Ukrainian soldiers are putting RPGs on robots for fights in the kill zone, a manufacturer says
RPGs are used against tanks and in short-range combat. As the fighting changes, soldiers want to put them on robots.
Ukrainian soldiers are adapting their infantry weapons to combat the evolving nature of warfare on the front lines. The rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) is now being mounted on robots, a shift that reflects the increasing reliance on advanced technology and the need to minimize risk to human operators. Oleg Fedoryshyn, R&D director at Ukrainian robot maker DevDroid, explained to Business Insider that soldiers conducting operations in the perilous "kill zone" found it difficult to use RPGs safely.
The kill zone, which can extend up to 50 kilometers in some areas, is heavily saturated with drones, making it extremely dangerous for soldiers to approach targets. By equipping robots with RPGs, Ukrainian forces are able to engage targets from a safer distance. DevDroid's ground robots are not the only ones to receive RPGs; Ukrainian UGV maker Temerland is also preparing its Gnom-VP ground robotic fire support platform with RPG-7 launchers.
This development is indicative of the broader shift in warfare, where drones and robots are reshaping ground combat. The rapid innovation in Ukraine has led to a new capability where soldiers are directly involved in the design and testing of new equipment, such as robots and weapons stations, allowing for quick updates and improvements.
As the war continues, Ukraine's experience demonstrates that Western militaries should consider investing in large numbers of inexpensive, easily replaceable robots to maintain utility and adaptability in protracted conflicts.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
