Video released through official Russian channels that is being spread throughout Telegram today shows the active deployment of a drone system armed with an automatic grenade launcher. Several of the other weaponized ground based drone systems also showcase other medium and heavy machine guns being attached to the system.

The largest benefit from this outside of safeguarding troops is that the guns can haul a large amount of ammunition from place to place. One of the largest drawbacks of heavy machine guns in standard infantry operations is the weight of total system combined with the ammunition making them unwieldy and difficult to maneuver.

These automated systems enable standard infantry squads with heavier armaments then standard medium machine guns. A properly trained military using western tactics would use these to enhance their ability to maneuver on enemy positions through the act of the combined arms conundrum. The Russians however will likely utilize these independently of Russian troops, similar to how they do with their armor, neglecting to maneuver with the weapon systems to take and hold ground from Ukrainian forces.

About the Author

Josh Brooks

Josh is an American writer and former USMC machine gunner with eight years of experience in ground combat arms throughout the GWOT. He is currently based in Texas and specializes in combat footage analysis and digital marketing.Follow Josh at OfficialJoshBrooks.com