FUTURE WAR
IRONCLAD robot is being tested on the battlefield in Ukraine
The IRONCLAD, a state-of-the-art unmanned robot, is currently undergoing testing by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the front lines. This advanced machine showcases a multitude of capabilities; it can support assaults on opposition placements, carry out reconnaissance missions, and provide crucial fire support to troops on the field.
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Bearing additional hull armour and a contemporary combat module equipped with a thermal imager, the Ironclad is more than just a robotic platform. This innovation, the product of proficient Ukrainian engineers from Roboneers, holds the potential to revolutionize warfare strategies. More importantly, it can significantly reduce the risk to soldiers’ lives by enabling remote operations.
Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, expounds on the Ironclad’s specifications, stating that, “the robot is capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour. It features a thermal imaging camera and is fitted with the ShaBlya M2 combat turret. Additionally, its armored shell offers robust protection against small arms. IRONCLAD’s operations can be managed remotely, which allows the control station to be positioned at a safe distance.”
Moreover, other technologically advanced systems are currently being evaluated within the war zone. The Myslyvets ground robotic complex by the Robotics company is one such system, alongside the Ukrainian SpyGun drone. The latter, specifically crafted for deep reconnaissance, can also adeptly adjust fire when necessary.
TheEMIS
It’s crucial to note that IRONCLAD isn’t the pioneer robot to undergo testing in the Ukrainian battlefield. Near the close of the previous year, Ukraine divulged the successful trial of TheEMIS, an innovative robot from Estonia. This mechanical marvel serves as a vehicle attending to cargo transportation and wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
The British Media outlet, Jane’s, received confirmation from TheEMIS creator regarding the delivery of a vehicle to Ukraine. Such a model merely represents the basic illustration of the concept.
The behind-the-scene force in the development of TheEMIS is the Estonian firm, Milrem Robotics. This robot isn’t limited to cargo and battle casualties transport; it possesses the capability to arm itself and metamorphose into an autonomous war machine.
Recognized powers in global affairs, including France, Germany, and the United States, have made TheEMIS robotic vehicle a part of their military assets. As for Ukraine, Milrem Robotics has yet to supply the combative version of TheEMIS. Nevertheless, the company hasn’t dismissed the likelihood of this occurrence in the near future.
Reward for captured robots
The pursuit of foreign technology is a shared interest on the geopolitical stage, especially for nations such as Ukraine and Russia. Case in point, the Estonian robot TheEMIS was earmarked as a desired Western weapon system by the Russian Federation, underpinning the importance placed on technological advancement.
In an intriguing development in September 2022, a bounty of $16,000 was placed by Moscow for the retrieval of the Estonian robot, contingent on its largely undamaged condition. This bounty was underwritten by a Moscow-based research institution known for its association with the Russian defense industry.
Ruslan Pukhov, who functions as the director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies [CAST] in Moscow, conveyed Russia’s current technological position in warfare in September 2022. Pukhov stated that Russia is “lagging behind,” which posits the significance of robotic warfare. Despite TheEMIS being a basic model, Pukhov believes its capture could potentially expedite Russian advancements in this field.
Interestingly, the aforementioned bounty surpasses the annual income of a Russian soldier which, according to U.S. sources, is approximately $13,000 a year for soldiers under three-year contracts. Although Russian conscripts constitute a different pay structure, earning around $25 monthly, the bounty’s size sheds light on the value Russia places on acquiring and developing new technology.
Russia is also testing robots
As reported by BulgarianMilitary.com in September, Russia has been conducting battlefield tests with robots in Ukraine, specifically deploying the Zubilo robot to the combat zone.
A product of extraordinary engineering, the Zubilo serves as a 13.3-ton ground assault vehicle. Its primary function is to operate as an unmanned transport system, with the impressive capability of bearing loads up to 2.7 tons.
Born out of the Remdizel enterprise in Tatarstan, the Zubilo isn’t equipped with a camera. Notably, it is armed with a unit’s search ZU-23-2, which surprisingly, does not possess an aiming mechanism – based on the model showcased at the exhibition. This striking lack of crucial features raises questions about the effectiveness of the Zubilo’s mobility and its overall offensive potential.
The Zubilo’s functionality, however, is not confined solely to combat scenarios. This remarkable vehicle demonstrates versatility, with capabilities including the delivery of ammunition, cargo transportation, casualty evacuation, and the provision of power for radios and quadcopters. Current information indicates at least one working prototype of this innovative robotic vehicle exists.
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