The Ukrainian army is preparing to transfer some of the most dangerous positions to robotic systems: the Armed Forces of Ukraine are considering the concept of strongpoints, where remotely controlled combat modules will operate on the front line instead of infantrymen.
The Ukrainian army is preparing to transfer some of the most dangerous positions to robotic systems: the Armed Forces of Ukraine are considering the concept of strongpoints, where remotely controlled combat modules will operate on the front line instead of infantrymen.
According to «Military», plans for robotic strongholds were discussed at a regular meeting on the development of capabilities in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where the modernization of air defense, training of specialists and the introduction of new types of weapons: from strike UAVs to ground-based robotic complexes and combat modules at such points were discussed separately. Additional electronic warfare measures were also discussed.
The format of the future robotic strongholds is not detailed, but it is already clear that we are not talking about fully autonomous «fortresses», but about remotely controlled systems that require maintenance, replenishment of ammunition and power for generators. In fact, this is an attempt to move some of the firepower forward, leaving people further from the line of contact.
The basis for this approach is already approved for operation samples. Back in 2023, the Ministry of Defense allowed the use of the remotely controlled combat module «ShaBlya» in the army, which can be installed both on equipment and on stationary positions. In 2024, manufacturers began to receive government orders for the serial production of robotic turrets, in particular «ShaBlya» and Wolly.
The practicality of the concept was confirmed by the experience of the ground robotic complex Droid TW 12.7. This platform with a machine gun temporarily replaced one of the infantry positions and for a month and a half held an important intersection, where enemy forces periodically tried to break through. The robot went on combat duty every day and returned to the base for maintenance, recharging and replenishment of ammunition, performing several effective missions to defeat the enemy.
Commanders of units working with ground-based robotic assault systems emphasize that such systems are capable of supporting infantry during an offensive and covering it in defense, relieving some of the burden from conventional infantrymen.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how Ukrainian Armored Vehicles conducted fire tests of the Protector heavy ground robotic complex with an integrated remotely controlled combat module «Tavria-12.7», turning it into a full-fledged strike platform operating without the participation of infantry on the front line.
