A Ukrainian ground combat drone, the DevDroid TW 12.7, developed by Ukrainian robotics company DevDroid and operated by the 3rd Assault Brigade, held a frontline position for 45 consecutive days without infantry support, according to the unit’s report.
Armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, the remotely controlled vehicle suppressed repeated Russian attempts to advance, allowing Ukrainian forces to maintain the position with zero personnel losses. The mission underscored the growing role of unmanned systems in carrying out high-risk battlefield tasks while reducing danger to troops. United24 Media writes:
Throughout the six-week operation, Russian forces failed to infiltrate or seize the position, while Ukrainian troops sustained zero personnel losses. The brigade described the mission as evidence that robotic systems are moving beyond experimentation and are now capable of performing some of the most dangerous battlefield tasks without risking infantry lives.
DevDroid also fields the Droid NM 40, a ground combat robot armed with a grenade launcher, further expanding its capabilities on the battlefield.
Bad News for Russian Armor
Building on the success, DevDroid now plans to develop a more powerful ground-based robotic combat system armed with a 30mm cannon, significantly expanding the firepower and operational reach of unmanned platforms. CEO Yurii Poritskyi said the new system is expected to operate at ranges of 4–5 kilometers, surpassing earlier Ukrainian ground robots.
Formal development is set to begin in 2026, starting with detailed technical requirements, though Poritskyi acknowledged that integrating a 30mm cannon presents major engineering challenges, particularly managing recoil, which will require a larger and more robust platform. United24 Media writes:
Poritskyi noted that integrating a 30mm cannon presents a major engineering challenge, primarily due to recoil. Compared to lighter weapons previously mounted on ground robotic complexes, a cannon of this caliber produces significantly greater force, requiring a much larger and more robust platform.
Because of this, the new system will need to be built on a heavier and more powerful ground robotic chassis capable of absorbing recoil while maintaining stability and mobility under combat conditions. […]
