russian propaganda sources report that Shvabe Holding, a subsidiary of Rostec, has created a prototype of a ground-based tracked robotic system equipped with a laser. The name of this system has not yet been disclosed, but it is noted that this model is designed for demining.
russians say that this device, which can be controlled via fiber-optic cable or radio channel at a distance of several kilometers, uses its laser to burn detected mines, shells, or other ammunition. At the same time, the laser's range is said to be several hundred meters.
Read more: United by Purpose, Armed with Drones: The UAV Platoon of the 1st International Legion Hunts russian Forces
russians also claim that this device has a speed of up to 25 km/h and is allegedly ready for mass production. Against this backdrop, the question arises about the real capabilities of this ground drone and whether it can be used to counter UAVs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
For instance, in May 2025, russians acknowledged that they had a Chinese combat laser in their arsenal and showed the first footage of it being used against Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drones. This was a mobile version of the LASS laser system on a wheeled chassis, with a stated range of up to 1.5 kilometers for air targets and a radar with a detection range of up to 5 kilometers.
It turns out that this design has less powerful capabilities, and its range may be insufficient to counter Ukrainian drones. The question remains open regarding the effectiveness of this russian tracked drone with a laser, which will apparently be used for demining but only on a limited scale.
The battery charge indicator, which determines the operating time of this russian laser-equipped UGV for demining, is also unknown. Consequently, this will affect how practical it is to use this type of system.
It is also noteworthy that russians have suddenly become interested in small-sized laser systems for tactical tasks. For example, the Peresvet laser weapon, claimed by russian propaganda to cause unusual atmospheric phenomena and have a "strategic purpose," is deployed with its elements placed on multiple trucks.
Against this backdrop, the following assumption can be made. Using the example of a ground-based drone for laser demining, russians want to create the technological means to mass-produce small laser systems designed to combat Ukrainian drones.
Read more: Ukraine Withdraws from Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines
