Russian multipurpose unmanned ground vehicles enter field testing

The universal tracked platform is reportedly equipped with a combat module with an anti-tank missile system and is currently undergoing field tests. It is also expected to be able to quickly convert to carry various payloads using a modular design.

“Together with the Rostec State Corporation, the newest multipurpose robot ‘Impulse-M’ was created, which, in the version of a universal missile battlefield robot, equipped with a combat module with an anti-tank missile system, is now being tested at test sites,” Alexander Gavrilov, Gumich developer company general director, said.

The robotic complex has a tracked chassis with a lifting capacity of about one tonne, capable of carrying 500 kilograms of cargo at a 30-degree elevation and pulling 1.5 tonnes on a trailer, according to Rostec.

The platform is universal and can be used for a wide range of combat modules, used for laying mines, for transportation cargo and wounded. One of the beneficial advantages of the new complex is a completely Russian control system with elements of artificial intelligence, which allows it to operate automatically when performing both combat and logistics missions, according to the company.

It’s understood a multi-variant communication system between the combat vehicle and the operator has been created for the RTK, which virtually eliminates the possibility of influencing the complex of electronic suppression systems. At the same time, if the connection is lost, the robot’s navigation system allows it to automatically return to the base using points on the ground that it has recorded in its computer.

“The creation of combat robotic systems, the development of robotic technologies for weapons, military and special equipment, the development of accompanying technical vision and artificial intelligence systems, and automation systems is today one of the most dynamically developing and high-tech areas of the Rostec State Corporation,” Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the complex of conventional weapons, ammunition and special chemicals of Rostec, said.

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"In addition to our own developments in this area, we also support the most innovative and promising solutions from our technology partners.

“The Impulse-M multipurpose combat robot, according to our experts, can become an effective weapon that will allow us to achieve a qualitative advantage over the enemy and, most importantly, save the lives of Russian military personnel.”

It’s understood a smaller prototype of the RTK has previously been successfully tested in combat. On the basis of this experimental model, taking into account all the data obtained in combat conditions, a functioning full-fledged combat platform was created.

Earlier this month, the Russian High Precision Complexes holding, a subsidiary of Rostec, announced the creation of a ground-based first-person view “Depesha” kamikaze drone on 1 June.

That remotely operated (via joystick and FPV helmet) unmanned vehicle is undergoing testing, including in special military operations, with another multifunctional robotic “Buggy”.

Both the 150-kilogram “Despatch” tracked robot and the 250-kilogram “Buggy” wheeled platform are tasked as assistants to frontline troops and are reportedly capable of quick, quiet delivery of provisions, ammunition, fuel and evacuation of wounded soldiers.

In addition, both can be adapted for terrain mining tasks or as ground-based kamikaze drones to destroy enemy personnel, fortifications such as pillboxes, bunkers, fortified firing points and strongholds by detonating a charge delivered by the system to the target.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.