KYIV — The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has officially approved the deployment of the domestically developed ground robotic complex D-21-12R for use by the Armed Forces. This new battlefield robot, equipped with a large calibre machine gun, will provide critical support to troops in active combat zones, the ministry confirmed on its official platform.
The D-21-12R has been designed by Ukrainian engineers to carry out a range of tactical tasks including surveillance, patrolling, and direct fire support. It is capable of targeting enemy personnel and lightly armoured vehicles while operating across a variety of terrains. The unit performs efficiently in off-road environments, marshes, and shallow water, ensuring high mobility under combat conditions.
Importantly, the system is remotely controlled, with operators positioned safely at a distance from the line of fire. This allows Ukrainian troops to engage in offensive and defensive operations with reduced risk to personnel. The machine’s ability to offer continuous firepower while keeping its controller out of harm’s way marks a significant technological step for Ukraine’s defence strategy.
In a related development, another ground robotic system of Ukrainian origin, called “Fly,” was also recently authorised for military use. This system is engineered to carry out complex missions in harsh environments. Its introduction follows successful field trials, including the rescue of three wounded soldiers while traversing 17 kilometres under active enemy fire.
