Ukrainian paratroopers have recorded a rare victory on the technological front of the war. In the area of responsibility of the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Air Assault Forces, the military for the first time destroyed an enemy ground robotic combat complex. The target was russian Kurier, a tracked robotic platform equipped with the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.
According to the 7th Corps' official Telegram channel, the engagement took place last week when drone operators from Ukraine's 32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade detected and eliminated the russian robot near Pokrovsk. The Kurier system was attempting to approach Ukrainian defensive positions under remote control, using the flat terrain to remain concealed from observation and electronic surveillance.
Read more: Ukrainian Drone Takes a "Ride" on a Buk‑M2 and Delivers Precise Strike on russian System
The enemy apparently planned to use the robot as a fire-support system to launch grenades from a safe distance. However, during a routine aerial patrol of the sector, Ukrainian drone operators spotted the unmanned vehicle and immediately reacted. Within moments, an FPV drone struck the robotic platform, completely neutralizing it before it could engage in combat.
The Kurier system is a relatively new experimental ground-based robotic combat vehicl. It moves on a tracked platform powered by electric motors and is controlled via a radio link with an operational range of 3 to 10 kilometers. The system features both a fixed forward-looking and a rotating surveillance camera, allowing the operator to navigate and target remotely.
Equipped with the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, the Kurier can deliver sustained indirect fire on infantry or light fortifications. However, the destruction of this platform by a small FPV drone highlights the limitations of russian robotic warfare efforts, particularly in terms of battlefield survivability, signal security, and tactical application.
As Defense Express previously reported, operators of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have achieved a significant success by striking rare russian Zhitel R-330Zh electronic warfare station. This target represents one of the most sophisticated and expensive pieces of russian electronic warfare equipment currently deployed on the battlefield. Its destruction not only weakens enemy capabilities but also demonstrates the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operators and reconnaissance coordination.
Read more: Ukraine Eliminates One of russia's Rarest Jammers – the R-330Zh Zhitel System (Video)
