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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday that Ukraine had captured a Russian position using an entirely unmanned robot ground force.
“For the first time in the history of this war, Ukrainian warriors captured an enemy position using exclusively unmanned platforms,” he said during a speech to weapons manufacturers on Ukraine’s Arms Makers’ Day.
“The future is here, on the battlefield, and Ukraine is creating it,” he said in a video posted to X by a Ukrainian journalist.
The offensive, which took place in an unspecified location, was operated through drones and a grid-based robotic system (GRS) platform, an unmanned defense system.
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Zelenskyy claimed that such autonomous systems have participated in over 22,000 frontline missions in just three months.
Machines used included the TerMIT, a multifunctional ground robotic system designed to lay mines, and provide fire support; the Zmiy, a next-generation armored robotic platform developed for cargo transport; and the Protector, a heavy unmanned ground system.
Zelenskyy also touted his country’s use of drones, an integral cog in Ukraine’s war plan.
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“Our missiles, our unmanned systems, our interceptors, attack and naval drones, reconnaissance systems, artillery, our ammunition, armored vehicles, robotic platforms, and much more. All that today is truly proudly called – the weapons of Ukraine,” the president added.
“They defend our skies, our cities and villages, save lives, and prove that ‘Made in Ukraine’ is synonymous with effectiveness and strength,” he concluded.
Experts and commentators pointed to the growing use of unmanned technology as a turning point in the way wars are fought.
“So, if this starts happening at scale – which is the logical conclusion – would this change the nature, rather than the character, of war folks?” Dr. Patrick Bury, a senior professor of warfare and counter-terrorism at the University of Bath, wrote on X.
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“I’m not sure the world is fully ready for when ground invasions can be accomplished by Black Mirror robot dogs,” wrote Mike Benz, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. State Department. “‘Boots on the ground’ will no longer carry the political risk of sending ‘our boys’ out to fight. The temptation for robot-only ground invasions could be… enormous,” he finished.
Benz reference to robot dogs highlights Ukraine’s previous use of autonomous dog-like drones in their ongoing war with Russia.