Ukraine Machine Gun Mounted Robot Held Trench Position Alone For 1.5 Months

The UGV (unmanned ground robot) held a road junction previously manned by a squad of Ukrainian infantry from the 3d Assault Brigade.

The position was attacked repeatedly by Russian forces over a six week period but they were never able to advance because of the robot's rapid rate of fire, guided remotely by an operator further back. Having now been used for attacks, evacuating wounded, resupplying front line troops - and defending positions under attack - ground robots are becoming increasingly essential equipment. JL

UA Wire reports and Olena Mukhina reports in the Euromaidan Press:

The Droid TW 12.7 is designed for reconnaissance and combat missions. It features a remotely controlled turret adapted for a Browning 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, with a 300-round capacity, enabling precise engagement of targets under difficult conditions. Operated by Ukrainian troops from the 3rd Assault Brigade, it replaced infantry and held its position for one and a half months. Each morning, the operator activated the GRC and sent it on duty. The robot monitored a strategic intersection in a settlement where Russian forces repeatedly attempted to punch through. Russian forces were unable to breach the defensive line, as they were continuously under fire from the system. 

The Droid TW 12.7 unmanned ground system (UGS), operated by Ukrainian troops from the 3rd Assault Brigade, replaced an infantry position and held it for one and a half months. This was reported by the commander of the NC13 strike UGS company known as "Makar" in an interview with DevDroid. 

The Droid TW 12.7 is designed for reconnaissance and combat missions on the front line. It features a remotely controlled turret adapted for a Browning 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, with a 300-round capacity, enabling precise engagement of targets even under difficult conditions.

Robotic systems significantly improve troop safety by allowing some tasks to be performed without soldiers on the front line. Instead of infantry, the ground drone effectively held the position under the control of an operator located in a safer area.

Each morning, the operator activated the gun-armed GRC and sent it on duty. The robot monitored a strategic intersection in a settlement where Russian forces repeatedly attempted to punch through. Over roughly six weeks, the system successfully carried out its mission, suppressing enemy attempts to advance. “Makar” said the Russians made multiple efforts to disable the GRC, but all were repelled.

For this mission, the unit used the Droid TW 12.7 system developed by Ukrainian company DevDroid. The complex is fitted with a 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun and received official codification from the Ministry of Defense at the end of 2024.

The company commander added that similar systems will be used by the AFU not only to hold positions but also in assault operations. GRCs have already proven effective across a range of tasks, including delivering food and ammunition and evacuating wounded personnel from areas inaccessible to troops.According to DevDroid, the company that manufactures the robot, such a system can be delivered within 45 days, with a price range of $26,000 to $29,000.

 

Ukraine's infantry gains a resilient ally

“According to Makar, these deployments lasted one and a half months. During this time, the Droid TW 12.7 successfully completed multiple combat missions, engaging enemy forces,” the company said.

Russian forces were unable to breach the defensive line, as they were continuously under fire from the system. 

The operator controls the Droid TW 12.7. 

Makar emphasizes the value of such systems in supporting troops. 

“These platforms can assist infantry units, supporting them in offensive operations and covering them during defense. They help reduce the load on infantry soldiers,” Makar explained.

The UGS was officially codified by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine at the end of 2024.