A ground robotic complex controlled a strategic intersection in a populated area where Russian forces regularly tried to breach the defenses.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) for the first time deployed a ground robotic complex (GRC) equipped with a machine gun to hold a key position, fully replacing infantry. The system maintained control of a vital intersection for more than a month while performing combat missions, according to the company commander of strike GRC NC1, call sign “Makar.”
The officer said robotic systems significantly improve troop safety by allowing some tasks to be performed without soldiers on the front line. Instead of infantry, the ground drone effectively held the position under the control of an operator located in a safer area.
Each morning, the operator activated the gun-armed GRC and sent it on duty. The robot monitored a strategic intersection in a settlement where Russian forces repeatedly attempted to punch through. Over roughly six weeks, the system successfully carried out its mission, suppressing enemy attempts to advance. “Makar” said the Russians made multiple efforts to disable the GRC, but all were repelled.
For this mission, the unit used the Droid TW 12.7 system developed by Ukrainian company DevDroid. The complex is fitted with a 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun and received official codification from the Ministry of Defense at the end of 2024.
The company commander added that similar systems will be used by the AFU not only to hold positions but also in assault operations. GRCs have already proven effective across a range of tasks, including delivering food and ammunition and evacuating wounded personnel from areas inaccessible to troops.
On November 4, the First Separate Medical Battalion reported a successful operation to evacuate a wounded soldier who had been trapped for more than a month with a tourniquet applied. The mission succeeded on the seventh attempt thanks to a GRC.
A tracked robot named Lyutik has also been cleared to assist Ukraine’s military.
