How the strike UGV came together
A company in the Brave1 ecosystem was assigned the technical task and awarded a grant from the cluster to develop a turret for a Kalashnikov assault rifle. In under six months, the team built a prototype strike unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with a twin-turret mount for two Kalashnikovs. The system is already undergoing evaluation in more than five units, including the SBU's Alpha special operations center, where its operation was recorded on video. This work reflects a broader effort to combine proven infantry weapons with remotely operated ground systems.
Standout features and tactical benefits
Low-cost strike UGVs armed with standard Kalashnikov assault rifles are now being tested in frontline conditions. The Kalashnikov was picked because it is widely available across military units. The key feature is a fire module with a twin turret that can be fitted to other wheeled and tracked UGVs. The vehicle uses a four-wheeled chassis with airless tires and a protected hull, allowing it to work effectively in combat.
This project marks a significant step toward improving the combat capability of unmanned systems by adapting proven weapons to new technological solutions. If adopted on a larger scale, such platforms could substantially change fighting tactics, reducing risks for personnel while adding firepower on the battlefield.