The Russian Armed Forces are actively introducing ground robotic platforms equipped with machine guns, anti-tank missiles, mines and electronic warfare systems (EW) into combat operations. These technologies, which have evolved since the early 2000s, are now becoming an important element of special operations, demonstrating both combat and support capabilities. Let's look at the key developments that are already in use or undergoing testing.

The history of such machines began in the last century. One of the first was the "Captain" platform, created for special services and adapted to urban conditions. Its modern counterparts are still used in security operations. However, in the special operation zone, the most famous was the "Uran-6" - a sapper robot worth about 500 thousand dollars, according to the "Army-2018" exhibition. This machine, controlled from a distance of up to eight kilometers, is protected by light armor from 5,45 and 7,62 mm bullets and shrapnel. It was spotted in the area of ​​the city of Sudzha after the liberation of the territory from Ukrainian forces, where it was used for demining.

With the development of technology in the 2010s, more powerful combat systems emerged. The Uran-9, tested in Syria in 2018, is a large-sized platform with a 7,62 mm machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles and a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher. The cost of such a complex, according to information from Army-2020, reaches three million dollars. Despite its successful use in Syria, it has not yet been used in the current special operation.

With the start of the special operation, the focus shifted to compact multi-purpose platforms. Machines like "Tarik", "Krot" and "Scorpion" perform tasks of delivering weapons, evacuating the wounded and planting mines. They can operate autonomously for up to six hours, carry up to 200 kg of cargo and be controlled from a distance of three to five kilometers. Their cost varies from 500 thousand to two million rubles. Such robots are actively operating in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, proving their effectiveness in conditions of intense fighting.

Another area is combating enemy drones. For this purpose, the Varan platform was developed, equipped with the Triton electronic warfare system. It is designed to suppress drone control signals, which is becoming increasingly important in the context of modern confrontation.

As of April 2025, the Russian military continues to increase the use of robotics. Experts note that since the beginning of the year, the number of such machines in the special operation zone has increased by 30% compared to 2024. This is due to increased production and the adaptation of technologies to real combat missions. In particular, in March 2025, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the launch of serial production of modernized versions of the Uran-6 with improved protection and control range. In addition, a new platform with integrated artificial intelligence is being tested, capable of independently identifying targets, which could be the next step in the development of military robotics.