Ukraine currently has a number of ground robotic platform projects, one of which is the Gnom, developed by the TEMERLAND company. The platform is currently undergoing testing with the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade Velykyi Luh.
Ukrainian warriors received the Gnom ground platform directly from the manufacturer for field trials, and based on their feedback, several key improvements were implemented to better meet operational needs.
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“We’ve been testing the drone for about two months now. It has already undergone upgrades,” said Mykhailo, acting company commander, in an interview with Army TV. “Previously, the connection would frequently cut out, sometimes after 100 meters, sometimes after a kilometer, or even just 50 meters. Sometimes it would lose signal entirely and become uncontrollable. The furthest it managed to drive was around a kilometer across open terrain. If there were hills, it would’ve covered much less.”
Based on these early reviews, the Gnom ground platform received new wheels, a revised weapon mounting system, and a redesigned antenna. The weapons used on the robot were selected by the soldiers themselves.
"At first, it could only carry 100 rounds, basically one tin for the PKT machine gun. Now it’s been modified and can carry either one 250-round box or three 100-round boxes," Mykhailo noted.
The platform is reportedly stable enough to absorb the recoil of an RPG without moving out of position. The RPG was tested at a range of 400 meters. The machine gun mounted on the Gnom also demonstrated high accuracy, with Mykhailo explaining: “Wherever we aimed, that’s exactly where the bullets hit. Even during long bursts, like when we fired 50 rounds, all rounds landed on target.”
On the battlefield, the Gnom’s mission is to maneuver into the enemy’s rear and deliver precision fire, targeting enemy bunkers, trenches, and fortified positions.
The robotic platform is equipped with three cameras: a main camera, a sighting camera, and a thermal imager. It also includes a special function that allows operators to shut down all cameras and hide the robot in a revetment, where it can lie in wait for long periods and be activated when the enemy appears.
However, soldiers point out that for stable communication, the platform needs to be equipped with Starlink.
While the Gnom ground platform, despite being armed, cannot replace an infantryman or a full fire team, it significantly eases the workload of frontline troops and enhances combat effectiveness in dangerous situations.
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