Russia uses at least 20 types of ground robotic systems in war against Ukraine
Russian forces are using at least 20 types of ground robotic systems (GRS) in the war against Ukraine.
Source: a report by Trap Aggressor, a project of anti-corruption analytical centre StateWatch, titled Russian Ground Robotic Systems in the War Against Ukraine
Details: "A total of 32 GRS models have been identified, with the legal manufacturer established for 29 of them. At least 20 types of GRS have been recorded in combat use against Ukraine," the report states.
According to the analysts, Russia significantly changed its approach to the use of ground robotics after 2022. Whereas earlier projects such as Uran-9, Platforma-M, Marker and Nerekhta remained largely demonstrative, GRS are now actively used on the front.
In particular, they are used for logistics, evacuation of the wounded, reconnaissance and fire support.
The report's authors link this to the formation of a so-called "kill zone" – a strip 10-15 km deep along the front line controlled by FPV drones. Under such conditions, traditional logistics and evacuation become too risky.
"The key change is that the industry has shifted from state defence plants to private companies and public-private partnerships, and in 2024-2026 reached mass production," the report says.
Among the most widespread systems, the analysts name Kuryer, Varan, Impuls and Omich/Omich-2, which are supplied to the front in quantities ranging from dozens to hundreds.
It is noted that the development of new models is financed by the Foundation for Advanced Research – Russia's analogue of US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – while both civilian and military universities are involved in engineering work.
"The transition to a full-scale 'war of robots' has not yet taken place: despite active discussions about artificial intelligence, all machines currently used on the front remain remotely controlled," the authors add.
The analysts also stress that Russia's ground robotics industry critically depends on Chinese components, including electric motors, batteries, controllers, cameras and communication modules.
Meanwhile, sanctions affect manufacturers only partially: 10 of the 20 identified companies are under US sanctions, nine under Ukrainian sanctions and only three under EU sanctions. A significant number of mass GRS manufacturers supplying equipment to the front line are still not subject to sanctions.
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