Ukraine’s ground robot fleet expands with the addition of the Zmiy Droid 12.7 armored machine-gun system

The Ministry of Defence has authorized the Ukrainian-made Zmiy Droid 12.7 strike-and-reconnaissance ground robotic system for operational use by the Defence Forces of Ukraine. It is designed to perform a wide range of military tasks in high-intensity combat environments.

The Zmiy Droid 12.7 ground robotic system was developed by engineers from two Ukrainian defense enterprises with extensive experience in designing and deploying ground platforms in high-intensity warfare. The system is built on the Zmiy platform, which has proven its effectiveness in real combat, and is equipped with a remotely operated Wolly weapon station featuring a 12.7 mm machine gun.

The ground platform features high cross-country mobility and can traverse rough terrain, sand, snow, and shallow water obstacles. The platform’s armored hull protects against anti-personnel mines and can withstand multiple hits from FPV drones.

One of the defining features of the Zmiy Droid 12.7 ground robotic system is its integrated control module, which enables an operator to simultaneously control the platform and the weapon station, thereby reducing decision-making time on the battlefield. The weapon station is equipped with AI–based systems capable of automatically acquiring and tracking targets.

Such strike ground robotic systems have proven effective in modern warfare. Documented cases confirm successful engagements carried out using the reconnaissance-strike Droid TW 12.7 ground robotic system against russian MT-LB multi-purpose tracked armored fighting vehicle. Another proven example of effective combat use of the Droid TW 12.7 ground robotic system was the sustained holding of a firing position for 45 consecutive days. Throughout this period, the system was withdrawn to the crew every two days for several hours to undergo maintenance, replenish ammunition, and recharge its battery.

The primary mission of such ground robotic systems is to replace soldiers in the most high-risk areas of the battlefield.