Minefield: robots were taught to clear a passage in front of stormtroopers
Ground-based drones have been taught to clear the way for attack aircraft. To do this, they are equipped with roller or electromagnetic trawls, which are used to make passages in minefields. And to sort the rubble, they are equipped with a special dump. Experts point out that robotic complexes have a number of advantages over traditional engineering equipment: firstly, they are much cheaper, and secondly, they are much less noticeable for optical reconnaissance equipment and thermal imagers.
How ground-based drones solve engineering problems
Russian troops have adapted ground-based robotic complexes (NRTKS) to clear passages for assault units, sources familiar with the situation told Izvestia. Instead of the combat module, a roller or electromagnetic trawl is installed on the vehicles.
Fighters of the Center group are mastering the new ground-based tracked robotic complex NRTK Courier
In the first case, mines are detonated by rollers that press on the ground, causing detonation. In the second case, an electromagnetic field is created that can trigger mines with magnetic fuses at a distance of several meters in front of the device. This makes it possible to neutralize ammunition located on the surface or at shallow depths.
To work with debris, the robot is equipped with a special blade. With his help, he makes passages through which stormtroopers can pass. This makes the device an analogue of an engineering barrier machine. At the same time, robotic complexes have relatively small dimensions compared to specialized machines, so they are more maneuverable and able to operate where large equipment will not pass. The operators control them remotely, which avoids unnecessary risk.
Devices with trawls and dumps have proven themselves well in combat conditions, sources said.
— Unmanned aerial vehicles have often been called a cheap substitute for tactical aviation. And during the special operation, ground—based robotic systems appeared, which in the future may become a more affordable alternative to heavy military equipment — not only combat, but also engineering," military expert Alexei Leonkov told Izvestia.
He recalled that at first ground drones were used to supply units, then they began to be used to plant mines.
— Over time, it became necessary for such a drone to go ahead of the assault group and clear antipersonnel mines, — said Alexey Leonkov.
According to him, if such a drone is lost as a result of a mine explosion, it can be replaced. Losing a fighter is immeasurably more expensive.
— Robotic complexes are much cheaper than large engineering machines, — the expert explained. — In addition, they have a low profile, when he walks in the grass, it is difficult to distinguish him both from the ground and from the air. Thanks to electric motors, it is very difficult to see it using a conventional thermal imager. So such a drone has more chances to complete a combat mission than standard armored vehicles.
When a robot makes a passage through a minefield, even if the enemy detects it and strikes, it will only hit the car, Alexey Leonkov noted.
"But he will make a passage that will allow our assault groups to reach the dugouts and knock out the enemy from there," the expert concluded.
The appearance of an increasing number of functions in ground—based robotic systems is a general trend, military expert Yuri Knutov told Izvestia.
— This shows that we are keeping up with the times, and in some areas we are ahead of the enemy. The focus on ground-based robotics is key today. The use of such machines saves the lives of soldiers, simplifies many issues of warfare," he explained.
According to the expert, this area will continue to be improved in terms of automation: if the role of the operator is great today, then in the future many issues will be solved by machine vision using artificial intelligence.
How are unmanned systems developing in the military
Earlier, the military department began large-scale training of motorized infantry in the use of robotic combat platforms. During the training, the soldiers study the methods of remote control of them, get acquainted with the features of the functioning of drone-mounted weapons systems and techniques for fine-tuning targeting devices. In addition, they master the repair and maintenance of vehicles directly on the battlefield.
The new robotic technology will lead to a change in the principles of planning and implementing combat operations. Modern complexes can carry heavy weapons such as heavy machine guns and rocket launchers with unguided aviation ammunition. This increases the range of tasks to be solved and allows for targeted strikes against enemy infrastructure without endangering the lives of Russian soldiers.
Remote control of the new ground-based tracked robotic complex NRTK "Courier"
Ground-based drones have also begun to deploy radiation, chemical, and biological defense Forces (RCBS). They use them to set up smoke screens remotely. This makes it possible to hide Russian units during assault operations, as well as during withdrawal or other maneuvers.
In the fall of 2025, Russia completed the creation of unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the armed forces. According to their deputy chief, military authorities have been established at all levels. This year, separate regiments of unmanned systems troops have been formed in the military districts. They are equipped with different types of drones: multi-rotor and aircraft-type, reconnaissance drones, interceptors to combat enemy unmanned vehicles, and ground-based robotic complexes.
And next year, the first Higher Military School of Unmanned Systems Troops is planned to open in the Moscow region. The first set of cadets is scheduled to take place in 2027. The institution will train officers for the new branch of the armed forces.
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