The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that their forces have deployed the Lyagushka (Frog) suicide unmanned ground vehicle on the battlefield, successfully destroying a Ukrainian target in Avdiivka.
“Special forces of the Tsentr combat group have used the Lyagushka ground-based robotic system for the first time, destroying a Ukrainian target during the offensive operation in the Avdiivka direction,” the Russian Ministry of Defense stated.
A video published by Sputnik shows the Lyagushka robot, loaded with explosives, navigating through trenches and blowing up a Ukrainian heavy machine gun.
The Lyagushka suicide unmanned ground vehicle is powered by an electric motor, making it almost silent. With its compact size and speed of up to 20 km/h, it can approach enemy positions undetected. The Lyagushka can carry an explosive payload of up to 30 kg.
The Lyagushka is operated by a three-person team using remote controls and special goggles. A camera mounted on the device’s antenna allows the operator to maneuver the robot around obstacles as it approaches its target. An additional antenna ensures control of the robot can be maintained at distances of up to 3 km.
According to AI researchers and observers, the Russia-Ukraine conflict could set the stage for the introduction of suicide robots and fully autonomous combat robots on the battlefield.
Last weekend, the Russian defense conglomerate Rostec announced the development of a first-person view tracked robot named Depesha. It is equipped with a warhead designed to conduct suicide attacks on enemy soldiers, equipment, and “dragon’s teeth” defensive lines.
“Dragon’s teeth” are pyramid-shaped concrete blocks arranged in rows to impede tanks and armored vehicles, commonly used on the Ukrainian battlefield. When faced with such obstacles, tanks and armored vehicles often have to maneuver around them, making them susceptible to ambush.
In addition to Depesha, High Precision Complexes Holding, a subsidiary of Rostec, has developed the multifunctional Buggy robotic system. The Buggy is mounted on a wheeled chassis and operated using a gamepad and tablet.
