During the offensive operation “Vivaldi”, operators from the NC13 strike ground robotic systems unit within the Third Army Corps upgraded their ground kamikaze drones and employed a new strike tactic. Footage of the operation was published on the Third Army Corps’ Instagram page.
According to the military, each ground robotic system was equipped with two Bullspike disposable Bulgarian rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade launchers, developed on the basis of the Soviet RPG-22. The systems attacked Russian positions and then detonated directly inside the enemy’s shelters.
The statement notes that the Russians perceived the attack as the actions of an entire assault group, although in reality their positions were being “dismantled” by robots.
The Third Corps says that in this way the ground robotic systems simultaneously carry out three tasks: deliver a strike, exert psychological pressure on the enemy, and clear the position — all without risk to infantry.
Operators controlled the systems remotely while staying in cover dozens of kilometres from the line of contact. According to the unit, no one has used such tactics at any point in the entire history of the war.
In addition, as part of the offensive operation “Vivaldi”, the Third Army Corps was the first among military units to deploy ground robotic systems for demining and to support assault actions. The Third Corps said the main aim of introducing these technologies is to replace infantry with robots in the most dangerous areas, in order to preserve the lives of Ukrainian service personnel as much as possible.
Also during operation “Vivaldi”, the Third Army Corps airlifted kamikaze ground robotic systems using heavy “Gryphon” bomber drones more than 10 kilometres deep into enemy rear areas. According to the NC13 commander, call sign “Makar”, this tactic has become systematic and has been used for the past four to five months.
As a reminder, on 15 September the commander of the Third Army Corps, Andrii Biletskyi, announced that the unit in Donetsk region is conducting an offensive operation called “Vivaldi”. During the first season of the operation, the Third Army Corps eliminated enemy infiltration across an area of 75 km², de-occupied 10 km² of Ukrainian territory and took Russian soldiers prisoner. During the second phase of the offensive, fighters of the Third Army Corps liberated the settlements of Shandryholove and Derylove, and also established full control over Drobyshcheve. Overall, at this stage they have already returned 125 km² of Ukrainian territory to Ukrainian control.