A Ukrainian unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) has reportedly eliminated 20 Russian troops in an operation that allowed Ukrainian soldiers to engage enemy forces without direct exposure to fire.
The strike was carried out by soldiers from Ukraine's 44th Separate Mechanized Brigade using a Droid TW-12.7 UGV, according to a press release from Ukrainian defense technology company DevDroid. The operation occurred after Russian forces took shelter inside a building. Ukrainian operators remotely guided the unmanned vehicle toward the structure and deployed its 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun. DevDroid stated the position was destroyed and 20 Russian troops were killed in the engagement.
The Droid TW-12.7 is described as a multi-purpose combat and reconnaissance platform designed for operations near frontline positions. It is equipped with cameras and other systems for remote battlefield observation, along with a ballistic computer and AI-assisted functions for target identification and engagement. Its main weapon, the M2 Browning heavy machine gun, enables it to engage personnel, enemy firing positions, unarmored vehicles, and some lightly armored targets. The system can also be used for reconnaissance, transmitting live footage and data to operators.
This incident is part of a broader trend of Ukraine increasingly utilizing unmanned ground systems to conduct missions without risking soldiers' lives. The country aims to develop at least 50,000 combat robots to support its frontline forces, which Ukrainian officials believe will help optimize troop numbers and free soldiers from dangerous tasks.
Recent incidents highlight the growing use of robotic systems in the conflict. In eastern Ukraine, the 93rd Mechanized Brigade used a flamethrower-equipped robot to target Russian positions. Last month, a remote-controlled combat robot, the Wolly 7.62, was deployed via an unmanned naval drone to the occupied Kinburn Spit, where it fired on Russian positions. Additionally, footage showed Russian soldiers surrendering to a Ukrainian patrol composed entirely of robots and drones, marking what is described as the world's first combat capture using only unmanned systems. That operation, conducted by the Third Assault Brigade in Kharkiv Oblast, involved FPV and kamikaze ground drones striking Russian dugouts before unmanned ground vehicles advanced. The Russian soldiers surrendered upon realizing the danger, surrendering to a drone-guided approach to Ukrainian lines without Ukrainian infantry present.