Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps deploys air-dropped kamikaze UGV for the first time during offensive in Donetsk Oblast

Ukrainian soldiers air-dropped unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) into the rear of the Russian army during the Vivaldi offensive operation in northern Donetsk Oblast. Thanks to this manoeuvre, the defence forces managed to liberate two villages and clear another.

Source: 3rd Army Corps on Telegram

Details: To deliver the kamikaze UGVs deep into Russian territory, the fighters used heavy bomber drones. According to Andrii Biletskyi, Brigadier General and Corps Commander, the ground robots were air-dropped over 10 kilometres into the territory of the Russian army, and a similar operation was conducted "first in the world".

Quote from the 3rd Army Corps: "Heavy bombers of the 3rd Army Corps dropped ground kamikaze robots deep into enemy territory. Infantry wins wars, but we protect our infantry, which is why the robots go to the enemy first."

Details: Meanwhile, the corps' fighters utilised a system of electronic warfare (EW) and air defence assets to "blind" Russian reconnaissance drones. Thus, the Russians were unable to uncover the offensive plan, the unit explained.

Background:

• The 3rd Corps reported the first results of the Vivaldi offensive operation in northern Donetsk Oblast on 15 September 2026. During the first two stages of the offensive, the Ukrainian military liberated the villages of Serednie, Shandryholove, Derylove, cleared Korovii Yar, Oleksandrivka, Novoselivka, Yarova and Drobysheve.
• The defence forces restored Ukrainian control over 125 sq km of territory, 50 sq km of which was de-occupied.
• Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda reported that in July 2026, Ukrainian troops conducted a combat operation using an unmanned ground vehicle delivered by an uncrewed surface vessel to the occupied Kinburn Spit.
• During the UGV landing on the Kinburn Spit, a remotely controlled Wolly 7.62 weapon station was used.

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