The Defense Forces of Ukraine are expanding the use of robotic platforms on the battlefield both in quantity and quality, while manufacturers are introducing a range of new ground drones designed for various missions. In this context, the experience of using such weaponry in combat against russian occupation forces is particularly interesting.
Ukrainian military of the Honor company from the 108th Separate Mechanized Battalion Da Vinci Wolves of the 59th Separate Infantry Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk currently have experience operating a range of different robotic platforms, as reported by ArmyInform. Primarily, this refers to the Vepr robotic platform, which was recently approved for use by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
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This is a tracked multifunctional platform designed to perform a variety of tasks typical for such equipment – cargo delivery, evacuation of the wounded, mining and demining of areas, reconnaissance, and it can also be equipped with weapons. According to the publication, as of July this year, several dozen Vepr ground robots were being used on the battlefield.
The robot is armored, and the soldiers highlight the platform's high level of protection. For example, a soldier named Vadym, with the call sign "Ara," recalls how the russians tried 16 times to destroy it with drops from Mavic drones, but the Vepr was able to continue carrying out its mission. Another soldier with the call sign "Logist" highlights how easy it is to operate this equipment.
The unit has an interesting story with this robotic platform – for two consecutive weeks, the Vepr delivered ammunition and other supplies to the soldiers at their positions, while the russians were unable to detect it.
"We delivered water, ammunition, and various equipment. The russians couldn’t understand how we were holding out the entire time because they never noticed these deliveries," the publication quotes the unit’s soldiers.
Regarding the technical specifications of the ground platform, it can run for up to 36 hours on a single battery charge, depending on the load. Its range was tested up to 6 km at the training ground, but in real combat situations, such a range isn't currently required as it mostly operates on the front lines. Additionally, it is noted that the Vepr can tow up to a ton of weight.
Earlier, Defense Express explained the characteristics of the new development from Ukrainian Armor called Protector.
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