Guns or Drones or Both?

[Kirkhill]

Is it just me or do I see elements of Number 5 in that UGV?

DevDroid

We are DevDroid. We develop combat modules and robotic systems with artificial intelligence that enhance the efficiency and safety of military operations.

devdroid.tech

Key technical characteristics:​

• Type and caliber of weapon – M2 Browning machine gun 12.7
• Maximum target engagement range – up to 1 km
• Maximum speed – 7 km/h
• Tactical operating radius – 5 km
• Range – 25 km
• Guidance system – manual, automatic guidance using AI
• Communication systems:
  • radio communication via MikroTik modules (in basic configuration)
  • radio communication Mesh, LTE, Starlink (on customer request)

Ukraine has created a ground-based drone called NUMO, which can carry up to 300 kg of cargo

Ukraine has codified and approved for use in units the multi-purpose NUMO GRC, which is designed to perform various tasks. The new product has six communication options and can perform both combat and logistical tasks.

oboronka.mezha.ua

The NRC is capable of carrying up to 300 kg of cargo, its full weight with load reaches 620 kg. The robot has a range of up to 25 km in the basic configuration and up to 40 km with additional batteries. The speed reaches 7 km/h, and the drone's ground clearance (the distance from the lowest point to the ground) is 235 mm. At the same time, the system deployment time does not exceed 10 minutes.

 

[Kirkhill]

The cost of the DevDroid 12.7 and its delivery

With a delivery time of up to 45 days and a cost ranging from $26,000 to $29,000, the Droid TW 12.7 offers a compelling solution for modern defense needs.

Ukrainian-Made Droid TW 12.7: A NATO-Standardized Robotic Complex to Protect Democracy · TechUkraine

In a significant leap forward for Ukrainian defense technology, DevDroid, a company specializing in robotic turrets, has unveiled the Droid TW 12.7. This groundbreaking robotic complex boasts the first NATO-standardized Browning machine gun module in Ukraine, signaling a new era in defense...

techukraine.org

At that price every heavy weapons team in the battalion should have its own. Transport in the bed of a pickup truck.


Further to the operational use of the Devdroid

According to Cdr Zinkevych, the company deployed the DevDroid TW 12.7 in multiple positions during its 45-day stint at an undisclosed location. It would briefly leave its post every two days for maintenance and ammunition restocking by a crew sheltering 2.4 miles away from the front line.

So the vehicle has a 25 to 40 km range.
It was controlled from 15 km away by Starlink or LTE.
It was rearmed locally at a FARP 2.4 km from the front line every two days.

 

[Kirkhill]

Deleted for redundancy

 

[HavokFour]

So the vehicle has a 25 to 40 km range.
It was controlled from 15 km away by Starlink or LTE.
It was rearmed locally at a FARP 2.4 km from the front line every two days.

Huh, so I was pretty close.

 

[Kirkhill]

A bit more gleaned on the NUMO/DevDroid

• Ground Clearance: 235 mm.
• Dimensions: Approximately 1.5 meters in length and 1.20 meters in width.

 

[HavokFour]

Russian UGV equipped with an EW system taken out by a Ukrainian fibre FPV. I wonder if they lose the ability to communicate with it when the EW turns on?

https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/comments/1qh3d0q/russian_ground_drone_with_some_sort_of_system_on

Looks like it's x4 of these.

New russian Portable Peroed Anti-UAV Jammers "Cannot Guarantee 100% Effectiveness" Against FPV Drones | Defense Express

When russians try to scale up their developments of anti-drone protection systems, the issue of effectiveness and reliability comes second

en.defence-ua.com

 

[HavokFour]

Wow, that's really going to be a nightmare for Russia if they can pull it off.

Ukraine plans to produce more than 7 million drones in 2026 as part of its unmanned systems capabilities. Unmanned technologies have become the backbone of Ukraine’s asymmetric defense, enabling the establishment of a strike zone with a depth of up to 20 kilometers. The next objective is to extend this zone to 100 kilometers by conducting strikes against russian targets in operational depth.

Sergiy Boyev at OFDEF conference: air defense, drones, and extended-range munitions among Ukraine’s top priorities for 2026​

 

[Kirkhill]

Madyar complaining that his birds are being used tactically, not strategically.

The uncrewed version of WW2 crewed arguments.

Top Ukrainian drone commander says elite pilots hitting Russian troops at extreme close range

The Unmanned Systems Forces' commander said his units' average engagement distance against Russian soldiers is less than 1 mile from the contact line.

www.businessinsider.com

Maj. Robert "Madyar" Brovdi,

his pilots have, over the last month, been engaging enemy troops at an average strike depth of 1.44 km, or 0.89 miles, from the line of contact.

Using elite strike crews for short-range suppression could also be a sign of heightened pressure on Ukrainian lines.

The Unmanned Systems Forces is a relatively new elite formation in Ukraine that focuses on providing strike or reconnaissance support with smaller drones.

branch comprises 12 combat crews who are present on 30% of the front line.

.....

Madyar wrote that his units are assigned to corps commanders, who have been deploying the operators to attack such advancing troops at closer range.

"Not a single Corps commander, who has many hundreds of crews from their own brigades and subordinate units within their area of responsibility, is ready to release SBS work to proper depth,"

ideally, these drone operators try to spot and engage enemy infantry farther away, roughly 6 to 10 miles from the line of contact, as these troops form up or begin to launch assaults.

....

Another version of what to do with the SAS, the Paras, the Marines, the Rifles, the Light Bobs, the Grenadiers......