Ukraine equips unmanned ground robots with grenade launchers to strike Russian positions from afar
Ukraine is mounting grenade launchers on uncrewed ground vehicles, letting operators hit Russian troops from tens of kilometres away without exposing soldiers.
Ukrainian troops are increasingly fitting uncrewed ground robots with grenade launchers, allowing attacks on Russian positions from distances that keep soldiers out of the kill zone. Developers such as DevDroid’s TW-40 platform can operate up to 70 km on roads and fire grenades up to 1.5 km, while Frontline Robotics offers the Buria remote weapon station for similar use. The Third Army Corps described employing dual Bullspike launchers on UGVs during Operation Vivaldi, claiming the robots destroyed enemy shelters while infantry stayed safe.
Officials say the tactic leverages the robots’ ability to work with aerial drones and machine-gun-armed units for target acquisition. Ukraine’s defense ministry reported contracting over 22,000 UGVs in 2026, nearly double the previous year, indicating rapid adoption across the front. The overall strategy aims to preserve personnel by extending the distance between fighters and the most hazardous zones.
Why it matters
It shows how Ukraine is using robotics to lower soldier casualties and reshape battlefield tactics.
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