Operators from the NC13 unit of strike unmanned ground robotic systems, part of the Third Army Corps, used the Droid TW-12.7 UGV and FPV drones to halt a Russian assault, the system’s developer DevDroid reported.
Ukrainian troops spotted a group of six Russian servicemen moving towards their positions. To stop the enemy assault, Ukrainian operators deployed the Droid TW-12.7 reconnaissance-and-strike system, fitted with a combat module featuring a 12.7 mm Browning machine gun. The UGV opened fire on the group and halted its advance. At the same time, a battalion of unmanned systems joined in, striking the assault group with FPV drones.
In about 20 minutes, UGV operators and FPV crews destroyed the assault group of six enemy troops. As a result, Ukrainian positions remained under the control of the Defence Forces.
According to the commander of the NC13 unit, callsign “Makar”, the episode demonstrates a practical model for the combined use of ground and aerial robotic systems: the UGV stopped the enemy’s advance and created the conditions for FPV crews to operate.
“The greatest value of this kind of co-operation is that we don’t need to send assault groups in to clear positions and expose our servicemen to fire. Technology gives us the ability to keep our distance and maintain an advantage over the enemy, which helps us protect our personnel,” Makar said.
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What We Know About the Droid TW 12.7 UGV
The Droid TW 12.7 UGV is equipped with a remotely operated turret for an M2 Browning 12.7 mm machine gun. According to the developers, it can engage lightly armoured targets such as infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and armoured cars. The system can also hit unarmoured targets, including cars and other enemy equipment.
The UGV can also be used for remote battlefield surveillance. Using built-in cameras and data transmission systems, the operator receives real-time situational awareness. The platform’s design, the developers say, provides high mobility in difficult terrain and off-road conditions.
DevDroid is a Ukrainian defence technology company that develops systems for robotic warfare, enabling operations to be carried out and co-ordinated remotely, reducing risks to personnel and improving accuracy, autonomy and safety.
In August, soldiers of the 44th Separate Mechanised Brigade carried out a successful combat operation using the Droid TW-12.7 strike unmanned ground robotic system from DevDroid.