Ukraine Deploys Ground Robots Dropped by Drones in Novel 'Safari' Missions
Kyiv's forces conducted a new operation using bomber drones to deploy ground robots behind Russian lines, reportedly resulting in significant enemy casualties.
Ukrainian forces have employed a new tactic in their conflict with Russia, utilizing bomber drones to drop ground robots behind enemy lines. This operation, dubbed 'Operation Vivaldi' by Ukraine's Third Army Corps, involved deploying unmanned ground vehicles approximately 10 kilometers behind Russian positions.
The commander of the NSI-13 ground robotic systems unit, identified as Makar, stated that heavy bomber drones, referred to as 'Gryphons,' air-dropped 'kamikaze ground robots' into enemy rear areas. He described this as a "technological breakthrough" and a "unique deep-strike tactic" developed by soldiers of the NC13 strike ground-robot unit.
According to Makar, cameras mounted on the ground robots captured the surprise operation, which he claimed resulted in the deaths or injuries of approximately 3,000 Russian soldiers. He also asserted that the new tactic helps preserve Ukrainian soldiers' lives while destroying enemy manpower and resources.
This innovative approach is reportedly being used to help retake territory in the Donetsk region. Ukraine has become a significant player in military drone technology since Russia's full-scale invasion, developing and deploying domestic drones for strikes deep within Russia. This advancement has garnered international attention from governments and defense manufacturers.
The broader strategy, as articulated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aims to make the war's consequences felt by the Russian public, potentially pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace settlement. However, Putin has not indicated any intention to cease the invasion.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have engaged in escalating long-range aerial strikes. This drone and ground robot warfare occurs as fighting along the approximately 1,250-kilometer front line in eastern and southern Ukraine has slowed. The proliferation of drones and ground robots poses a threat to troop movements on both sides.
Recent escalations in aerial attacks include Russian strikes that reportedly killed five people and wounded 11 in Ukraine overnight and into Friday. Moscow, in turn, reported one death and 21 wounded from Ukrainian long-range strikes. President Zelenskyy indicated that eight Ukrainian regions were attacked, with an office block in Kyiv hit, resulting in four deaths. An additional fatality, a 14-year-old boy, was reported in a Kyiv apartment building strike, with several residents injured. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted a missile engine depot near Kyiv, among other objectives.
Ukraine has continued its campaign to disrupt Russia's economy, with Zelenskyy reporting strikes on two refineries. Unconfirmed Russian media reports suggest Ukrainian drones also targeted a Russian military electronics plant and a synthetic rubber producer.