Robot soldiers have also joined the Russia-Ukraine war. For the first time, Ukraine has deployed a large number of suicide robots to attack Russian troops, reportedly inflicting heavy losses on the Russian side.
According to Ukraine’s Third Army Corps, approximately 3,000 Russian soldiers have been killed with the assistance of robots and drones under ‘Operation Vivaldi’. Additionally, five villages and three settlements have been liberated from Russian control. The campaign to deploy robots on the battlefield began in May of this year. Since then, the robots have successfully completed over 15,700 missions, carrying out suicide attacks by engaging in combat while loaded with explosives. Ukraine has released a video regarding this operation, showing how the robots carry out attacks. Four-wheeled robots were utilized in the mission. With the help of drones, these robots were deployed up to 14.5 kilometers into Russian-controlled territory. Subsequently, the robots advanced and launched fierce attacks on Russian military positions. The robots were deployed fully equipped for combat; onboard cameras were used to identify Russian targets, enabling strikes on command centers, troop positions, and arms depots. Even a bridge intended for river crossings was targeted. It is reported that this measure was taken to ensure the safety of Ukrainian soldiers. Andriy Biletsky, Commander of the Third Army Corps, has stated that Ukraine is the first country in the world to deploy robots into enemy territory via drones to launch attacks.
A robotic army is being assembled; these kamikaze ground robots are small, wheeled vehicles. They are controlled remotely by operators from a distance and are packed with explosives. Upon reaching enemy military positions, they detonate. Their deployment reduces the risk to soldiers, who would otherwise have to venture directly into areas fraught with landmines, gunfire, and enemy attacks. Ukraine is currently building a massive robotic army. Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the ‘Army of Robots’ project on the 26th. Under this initiative, Ukraine is seeking collaboration with engineers, technical experts, and investors from Western nations for projects involving drones, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), low-cost interceptors, and AI.
