Russia Unleashes Kamikaze Ground Robots Armed with TM-62 Mines in Recent Ukraine Offensive.

According to a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on April 16, 2025, Russian forces have intensified the use of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) configured as kamikaze platforms in their operations against Ukrainian positions. This marks a notable evolution in Russian battlefield tactics, as ground-based drones increasingly mirror the employment of first-person view (FPV) aerial drones in executing precision strike missions.
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A Russian tracked unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) armed with a TM-62 anti-tank mine advances toward a Ukrainian defensive position in the Kharkiv region, preparing for a kamikaze-style assault as part of intensified robotic warfare operations. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

In a recent operation in the Kharkiv region, combat engineers from the Russian "West" (Zapad) group employed a tracked kamikaze UGV to destroy a fortified Ukrainian stronghold that was obstructing the advance of Russian assault units. The vehicle was remotely guided into the enemy’s dugout and detonated an anti-tank mine TM-62, effectively neutralizing the personnel within the position. The entire action was captured on video and serves as a stark demonstration of how UGVs are being integrated into front-line offensive roles.

The decision to arm these kamikaze robots with TM-62 mines reflects a deliberate choice based on the mine's substantial destructive capacity and versatility. The TM-62 is a Soviet-designed anti-tank blast mine, widely regarded for its high explosive yield and reliability in various terrain conditions. The standard TM-62 contains between 7.5 and 8 kilograms of TNT or a comparable explosive, housed in a circular metal, plastic, or wood-cased body with a diameter of approximately 320 mm and a height of 110 mm. It is compatible with multiple pressure and magnetic influence fuzes, including the MVCh-62 and MVN-72, allowing for flexible deployment in both passive and active roles.

Originally developed for use against armored vehicles and main battle tanks, the TM-62’s deployment via UGV allows Russian forces to repurpose this powerful ordnance for urban combat and fortified position assaults. The use of ground-based kamikaze robots equipped with such mines enables precise targeting of static enemy defenses while keeping Russian personnel at a safe distance from counter-fire zones. This tactic is particularly effective in the trench-heavy battlefields of eastern Ukraine, where static fortifications are commonplace and traditional armored assaults can prove costly.

The broader implication of this development is the growing integration of robotics and automation into Russian tactical doctrine. By leveraging off-the-shelf components and repurposed military hardware, Russia is expanding its inventory of expendable, yet potent, unmanned systems capable of performing high-risk missions. These systems provide a dual advantage—disrupting enemy defensive lines while reducing manpower exposure.

This strategic shift also reflects the escalating technological arms race between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukraine has likewise developed indigenous UGVs such as the Ratel-S, which has been seen in combat roles equipped with TM-62 mines or explosive payloads. As both sides continue to innovate under combat conditions, the war in Ukraine is rapidly becoming a proving ground for the future of unmanned ground warfare.