NGRNMaterial prepared by Oleksandra Artemenko, NGRN Analyst
In modern warfare, classical methods of breaching fortified enemy defenses may prove ineffective due to the increasing combat capabilities and advancements in weaponry. The traditional tactics of motorized rifle units, relying on frontal assaults on defensive positions with the involvement of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, lead to significant losses in personnel and equipment. The Russian military doctrine, analyzing combat experience from past conflicts, considers the possibility of implementing robotic assault companies (RACs), which could radically change the nature of ground combat. The concept of robotic assault companies envisions the creation of a new format of mechanized units that include not only traditional armored vehicles but also remotely controlled combat robots and specialized assault vehicles. The primary idea is to minimize personnel involvement in the first echelons of an attack, significantly reducing casualties when breaching fortified defenses.
Structure and composition of RACs [1]
Robotic assault companies are formed based on the principle of distributing combat tasks among several types of armored vehicles. Such a company should include four main types of vehicles:
Remotely controlled combat robots (RCCRs) – Designed for conducting combat reconnaissance, breaching minefields, and identifying enemy firing positions. Armed with heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and mine-clearing equipment, these robots operate in the first echelon of an attack, enabling the further advancement of main forces.
Assault vehicles (AVs) – Specialized armored vehicles based on tanks, with standard armament replaced by 152 mm howitzer artillery, as well as 30 mm automatic cannons and guided weapon systems. Their primary task is the destruction of fortified positions, bunkers, long-term firing points, and enemy armored vehicles.
Tanks – Used to support the offensive, engage enemy armored vehicles, destroy key defensive nodes, and cover assault groups. In modern conditions, tanks may be upgraded with active protection systems (such as “Arena[2]” or “Zaslon[3]“).
Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) – Serve as mobile protection for motorized rifle units operating in the third wave of the attack. They ensure the consolidation of the breakthrough, clearing the area of remaining enemy personnel, and readiness to repel counterattacks.
The “Courier” ground robotic complex compared to the BMP-1
Tactics of combat deployment
RACs operate under a three-echelon attack scheme, significantly different from the traditional tactics of motorized rifle companies. In the first echelon, RCCRs advance, using mine-clearing devices to create passages through minefields and identifying and neutralizing active firing points. This prevents significant personnel losses. The second echelon consists of tanks and assault vehicles tasked with suppressing defensive lines, countering artillery, and eliminating key resistance nodes. Thanks to guided munitions, enemy targets can be engaged at distances of up to 13 km, significantly reducing the risk of losses. The third echelon consists of IFVs carrying troops, responsible for clearing the area and securing a foothold for further advancement. This combat order structure minimizes infantry casualties while enabling faster and more efficient breaching of enemy defenses.
Combat formation of a robotic assault company during an attack on fortified defenses:
1 – platoon strongpoint; 2 – minefield; 3 – first echelon (robotic tanks); 4 – second echelon (tanks and assault vehicles); 5 – third echelon (infantry fighting vehicles).
Advantages and limitations of the concept
The main advantage of using RACs is the significant increase in personnel survivability due to the deployment of remotely controlled combat vehicles. This allows for a reduction in human casualties during the breakthrough of fortified enemy defenses. The second key advantage is the increased firepower of the company through the integration of 152 mm artillery systems into the AVs. At the same time, guided munitions significantly enhance the effectiveness of engaging armored vehicles and fortified targets. However, the concept also has substantial limitations. One of them is the high cost of developing and implementing remote control technologies for combat robots, requiring significant financial resources and technical capabilities. An additional issue is the need to deploy secure communication and control channels, which is complicated by the enemy’s electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. Another challenge is ensuring the autonomy of robotic systems. Modern RCCRs are highly dependent on operators, which may reduce effectiveness in complex combat conditions.
The development of the robotic assault company concept is impossible without analyzing existing examples of similar combat systems. The Russian Armed Forces are actively developing and deploying combat robotic systems that enhance the effectiveness of offensive operations, reduce personnel losses, and provide a new level of autonomy. These systems vary in their degree of autonomy, level of combat integration, and range of tasks performed. Some focus on reconnaissance and fire support, while others are designed for direct combat in urban and fortified areas.
The “Prometey” software and hardware complex
The “Prometey” software and hardware complex is the latest development of the Russian defense industry, aimed at robotizing armored vehicles, including infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), armored personnel carriers (APCs), and tanks[4]. It was created by the VNII “Signal,” which is part of the “High-Precision Complexes[5]” holding under the state corporation “Rostec.” The primary objective of this development is to enable remote and autonomous control of military vehicles without the need for significant structural modifications to the base platform.
The “Prometey” complex consists of two main components: the operator’s console and a set of integration devices for combat vehicles[6]. The operator’s console is a compact device with a built-in screen for displaying information, control systems, and a bidirectional radio communication system. The set of devices mounted on the vehicle includes communication and control modules, technical vision cameras, and actuators. The onboard control system allows the execution of operator commands or operation in a fully autonomous mode, analyzing the route, recognizing obstacles, and selecting optimal movement trajectories.
Thanks to its modular design and simplified integration process, this complex can be installed on almost any armored vehicle without requiring complex modifications. The standard crew positions remain unchanged, preserving the ability for manual operation if necessary. Remote control covers all primary platform functions, including movement and the use of standard weapons or specialized equipment. Since the project’s public announcement in July 2023, “Prometey” has undergone extensive testing. In August of the same year, expanded trials were announced in various conditions to assess the system’s real capabilities and determine further development directions. During the “Army-2023[7]” forum, the “Prometey” system was used as the basis for the MGR-4 “Shmel[8]” humanitarian demining vehicle.
MGR-4 “Shmel”
The “Depesha” robotic complex
The “Depesha” robotic complex, developed by the “High-Precision Complexes” holding, is a multi-purpose ground drone built on a tracked platform and designed for a wide range of combat and logistical tasks[9]. Due to its compact size, high maneuverability, and significant payload capacity, “Depesha” can operate on the frontline, performing both combat and support missions. A key structural feature of “Depesha” is its tracked platform, which ensures high cross-country capability, even on challenging terrain types, including uneven surfaces, soft ground, marshy areas, and puddles. This allows the system to be used in various tactical conditions, such as delivering ammunition, supplies, and fuel to frontline positions, as well as evacuating wounded soldiers. Its payload capacity is 150 kg. The “Depesha” is remotely controlled via a joystick and an FPV headset, giving the operator full control over the machine while minimizing risks by allowing operation from a safe distance. Additionally, its compact size and low profile make it harder to detect by enemy surveillance systems. The functionality of “Depesha” includes engaging enemy personnel, destroying fortified firing points, bunkers, and pillboxes, as well as conducting remote mine-laying operations. Furthermore, the robot can be used as a ground kamikaze drone, delivering an explosive charge directly to the target.
The “Depesha” robotic complex
Testing of “Depesha” began as part of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, where the system is being evaluated under real combat conditions. By late November 2024, reports confirmed that this robotic platform had already entered service with Russian military units. It is expected that its deployment will enhance combat effectiveness and reduce risks for personnel.
In addition to “Depesha,” the “High-Precision Complexes” holding has also developed another multi-purpose robotic system, the “Buggy[10].” It features a wheeled platform and an increased payload capacity of up to 250 kg. Like “Depesha,” this system is designed for combat and support missions, including cargo delivery, casualty evacuation, and striking enemy positions.
Multifunctional robotic complex “Buggy”
“Courier” ground robotic complex
The “Courier” Ground Robotic Complex (GRC) is one of the latest developments in Russian military robotics[11]. Thanks to its modular design, this complex can be equipped with various types of weaponry, allowing it to be used for combat operations, reconnaissance, and logistical tasks.
In October 2024, it was reported that the first 50 units of the “Courier” GRC had been delivered to the combat zone in Ukraine. These robots are capable of engaging enemy forces, laying mines, and evacuating the wounded, reducing risks for personnel. According to reports, an additional 20 units are expected to join the existing fleet shortly. Each complex is equipped with a specialized demining module, an autonomous power generator, and an expanded ammunition load.
The “Courier” platform is tracked, providing it with high mobility even on challenging terrains such as mountainous areas, forests, or marshlands. The robot is powered by electric motors with a capacity of 6 kW, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 35 km/h. The machine’s autonomous operation can last from 12 to 72 hours, depending on operational conditions and load.
“Courier” ground robotic complex
The “Courier” is remotely controlled at distances of up to 10 km, ensuring operator safety and allowing effective control of the system in combat zones. In addition to traditional armaments such as AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers, NSVT heavy machine guns, anti-tank missile systems, and rocket flamethrowers, the robot can be equipped with electronic warfare (EW) systems that disrupt enemy communications and electronic targeting systems.
According to Russian media reports, during operations in the Avdiivka direction, a group of these robotic complexes carried out a massive bombardment of Ukrainian military positions, using hundreds of grenades. This experience confirms that further development and mass production of such systems could significantly alter the nature of combat operations conducted by Russian forces. The production and modernization program for the “Courier” has received support from several engineering enterprises across various regions. As a result, an increase in production rates is planned in the near future, allowing for the rapid fulfillment of military demands.
[1] ШТУРМОВЫЕ РОТЫ ДЛЯ СУХОПУТНЫХ ВОЙСК. Известия Российской академии ракетных и артиллерийских наук. URL: https://btvtinfo.blogspot.com/2025/01/blog-post_12.html.
[2] Комплекс активной защиты танка “Арена”. URL: https://btvt.info/3attackdefensemobility/kaz_arena.htm
[3] Комплекс активной защиты (КАЗ) «Заслон». URL: https://btvt.info/3attackdefensemobility/zaslon.htm.
[4] Ростех может превратить любой танк, БМП, БТР в дистанционных боевых роботов. URL: https://tass.ru/ekonomika/22489625.
[5] Ростех – «Высокоточные комплексы». Ростех. URL: https://rostec.ru/media/news/vysokotochnye-kompleksy-15-let-tochnosti-i-nadezhnosti/.
[6] Комплекс роботизации «Прометей»: военные роботы на любой базе. URL: https://topwar.ru/235861-kompleks-robotizacii-prometej-voennye-roboty-na-ljuboj-baze.html.
[7] Прометей”. URL: https://военное.рф/2023/ФорумАрмия36/.
[8] Машина гуманитарного разминирования МГР-4 «Шмель». URL: https://topwar.ru/228781-mashina-gumanitarnogo-razminirovanija-mgr-4-shmel.html.
[9] Многофункциональная дистанционно управляемая платформа «Депеша» на колесном шасси. URL: https://t.me/VictoryDrones/34112.
[10] Ростех создал роботизированный комплекс “Багги”. URL: https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/20965919.
[11] В зону СВО поставили первых российских роботов «Курьер». Они стреляют, минируют и эвакуируют раненых. URL: https://www.tadviser.ru/index.php/Продукт:Курьер_(робот).