02.06.2025 

Ground-based robotic systems (GROS) could be a real breakthrough in modern warfare. They are not only a promising unmanned technology, but also a real threat to enemy infantry – in particular, in the form of “kamikaze” strike platforms capable of carrying a powerful combat load, up to Soviet-style aerial bombs.

This was stated in an interview with ArmyInform by Captain Oleksandr Yabchanka, Head of the Robotic Systems Service of the “Da Vinci Wolves” Battalion of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, which is part of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to him, it is the UAVs that may soon occupy a key place in the structure of modern combat – as a tool of strike, logistics, and mining.

“Figuratively speaking, ground drones can even carry FAB-500s. And if they are used as “kamikazes”, one can only imagine the scale of losses among enemy assault groups,” the officer notes.

According to him, the standard combat load of a UAV is currently about 40 kg – this is enough to destroy, for example, an occupier’s dugout. However, technically, such drones can carry much more, including old aerial bombs – FAB-100, FAB-250 or even FAB-500.

This is especially important, given that even after defeating up to 80% of enemy infantry with the help of UAVs and artillery, part of the Russian forces (up to 20%) breaks through to the positions of the Ukrainian military or hides in landings, ruins, abandoned buildings. IRCs can “finish off” these attack aircraft, reducing the risk of losses in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In addition to strike functions, ground drones are already actively used at the front for logistics – delivering cargo, ammunition, and evacuation. In particular, complexes such as TerMIT are capable of transporting up to 12 TM-62 anti-tank mines, which allows for the effective creation of minefields without the participation of manpower.

“NRKs show high survivability, even under fire from enemy FPV drones. This makes them indispensable for both rear support and the front line,” added Captain Yabcanka.

As a result, ground-based drones are increasingly proving their effectiveness in combat – on a par with air strike and reconnaissance UAVs. Their adaptability, payload, and combat flexibility could become one of the key factors in deterring Russian offensives.

As OBOZ.UA reported, in December, the Ukrainian Armed Forces admitted the silent robotic complex CRAB-LS to service . It is designed to perform logistical support tasks, as well as to install combat modules.

Before that, at the end of 2024, in the Kharkiv direction near the village of Lyptsy, the Ukrainian Defense Forces conducted the first ground attack using exclusively unmanned robotic systems. The “robots” carried out mining and demining of positions, and were also equipped with machine guns. As a result, the enemy position was destroyed.

https://war.obozrevatel.com/ukr/mozhe-vzyati-fab-500-i-pidirvati-bagato-vorozhoi-pihoti-v-zsu-rozpovili-pro-perevagi-nazemnih-droniv-foto-i-video.htm