The Ukrainian army broadcasts its first sabotage operations by ground drone. Both Ukraine and Russia are still seeking the advantages of deploying this type of device on the front.
After aerial drones, ground drones are starting to do damage. Ukrainian Digital Minister Mykhaïlo Fedorov shared on his Telegram channel on April 2 the video of the destruction of a bridge in the village of Ivanivske, in the Donetsk region, using a remote-controlled robot. The village in question is currently occupied by the Russian army and is located on the most active front line.
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Mykhaïlo Fedorov indicates that the drone used is a “Ratel S” model, produced by Brave1, the Ukrainian center for the development of innovative weapons.
This is not the first time that Ukraine has tried to harm the Russian army with ground drones. In January, a ground drone had already been used for a similar mission, crossing more than 4 km in an occupied zone to destroy a bridge.
This model seemed heavier than the Ratel S, which seems to be a more maneuverable and agile version. According to data from Brave1, the Ratel S could move within a radius of 5 km, with a speed of 24 km/h. The device can carry a TM-62 anti-tank mine with a charge of 7.5 kilos of explosive to damage roads or charge against an armored vehicle.
Ground drones, a new weapon in the Russia-Ukraine war
Both Ukraine and Russia are developing ground drones for their armies. Unlike aerial devices which have quickly become indispensable, ground robots do not only provide advantages. These are quickly detected (and neutralized) by the military before reaching their goal. Not to mention the rugged terrain which limits their movements.
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The main missions assigned to these ground drones are, for the moment, mainly ammunition transport or medical supply operations. However, the Ukrainian army is still seeking to transform them into a lethal weapon, and the Ratel S could well represent a new threat on the front.