{
  "id": 4576251,
  "title": "Ukrainians slapped twin AK rifles on a drone with wheels to make a cheap mobile turret",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/ukrainians-slapped-twin-ak-rifles-on-a-drone-with-wheels-to-make-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T05:03:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-twin-kalashnikov-rifle-gimbal-drone-uncrewed-ground-vehicle-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian defense technology incubator Brave1 has created a drone turret using two Kalashnikov assault rifles as its primary weapon system. The inexpensive platform, designed to quickly scale up combat drones, has already undergone operational testing in the field. Brave1 reported that over five units are currently being tested operationally. The turret was utilized by the Security Service of Ukraine's Alpha Group special forces to destroy a Russian ambush drone. The Kalashnikov rifles were chosen because they are the most widely available small arms among Ukrainian military units, allowing for rapid scaling of the drones on the frontlines. The turret's frame supports a pan-and-tilt gimbal, which rests on a four-wheeled platform. Each rifle has been modified to remotely receive fire commands, but the current design still requires a soldier nearby to manually reload and operate each weapon.",
  "summary": "Kyiv has been looking to cheaper assault drones that it can scale rapidly to reduce the risks to its infantry.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukrainian defense tech incubator Brave1 created drone turret with AK rifles",
    "Kalashnikov rifles chosen for wide availability among Ukrainian military",
    "Turret used by Alpha Group special forces to destroy Russian ambush drone"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development enables Ukrainian forces to rapidly scale up combat drones on the frontlines with readily available Kalashnikov rifles, potentially shifting the balance of drone warfare in the region.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}