Ukraine has introduced a new generation of remote-controlled ground combat vehicles equipped with heavy 12.7mm machine guns, marking another technological leap in its evolving defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

According to Ukrainian defense sources, the tracked unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs)—believed to be Droid TW 12.7 models—are fitted with M2 Browning machine guns mounted on stabilized turrets. These systems allow operators to engage enemy targets from protected positions, significantly reducing risk to frontline soldiers while maintaining effective suppressive fire.

Footage released from eastern Ukraine shows the camouflaged vehicles advancing through rugged terrain, providing supporting fire for infantry movements and countering Russian drones and armored threats. The units are remotely operated via encrypted communication systems, giving Ukrainian forces greater flexibility and survivability on active battlefields.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has developed more than 100 UGV variants—ranging from logistical carriers and demining units to fully armed platforms such as the Ravlyk and Phantom. This rapid innovation reflects Kyiv’s growing emphasis on automation and remote warfare technologies designed to offset manpower shortages and minimize casualties.

Military analysts say the deployment of armed UGVs underscores Ukraine’s adaptation to a new era of combat dominated by drones, robotics, and precision systems. The shift toward autonomous and remotely operated systems also mirrors Western defense trends, particularly those championed under U.S. and NATO guidance, which prioritize minimizing soldier exposure while maintaining battlefield lethality.

With the war’s human toll surpassing 500,000 casualties across both sides, Ukraine’s use of unmanned ground vehicles demonstrates a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to warfare. By integrating advanced robotics with Western-supplied intelligence and targeting systems, Kyiv is effectively transforming its defense posture from reactive to technologically assertive.

As Ukraine continues to innovate under fire, its expanding fleet of robotic combat platforms sends a clear message to Moscow: this is not the same army Russia invaded three years ago. Ukraine’s battlefield ingenuity—born of necessity and strengthened through Western support—is now redefining modern warfare one machine at a time.