According to Russian social media on December 3, 2023, the Russian Armed Forces utilized an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for the first time in a medical evacuation (medevac) mission. Video footage depicts the 87th separate rifle regiment employing a homemade ground-based unmanned platform for tactical resupply and casualty evacuation in the Avdiivka direction, an area marked by intense fighting.
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A notable feature of this medevac UGV is the integration of the Volnorez electronic warfare system, designed to suppress Ukrainian FPV drones. (Picture source: Russian social media)
The Russian 87th Rifle Regiment, responsible for the deployment of this UGV, clarified that the UGV is not an industrial model but a creation manufactured from available resources. Currently, only one such platform has been assembled with the assistance of volunteers, and there is consideration for future opportunities to assemble several more.
The footage displays a compact, tracked UGV remotely controlled by Russian military personnel, transporting essential cargo, including medicines and ammunition, to Russian frontline positions in the most dangerous areas. Additionally, the UGV plays a crucial role in evacuating wounded soldiers, with sufficient space on the platform for one person. While the carrying capacity remains undisclosed, the video suggests the platform can transport a fully equipped wounded soldier or multiple ammunition boxes.
A notable feature of this UGV is the integration of the Volnorez electronic warfare system, designed to suppress FPV drones and previously observed on various Russian vehicles, including the T-80BVM Model 2023 Main Battle Tank (MBT). According to Russian soldiers, the electronic warfare system played a crucial role in the UGV's survival during an attack by two Ukrainian drones. While one drone failed to reach the platform, the second, operating nearby did not cause any damage, potentially due to the countermeasure system.
Technological innovations, such as unmanned vehicles, are increasingly integrated into conventional military operations by both parties involved in the Ukraine conflict, including medical evacuation. For instance, as reported by Army Recognition on November 3, 2023, Ukraine introduced an unmanned platform for casualty evacuation, assembled with the assistance of volunteers from the Dnipropetrovsk region.
This Russian deployment of UGVs occurs within the context of a broader military offensive by Russian forces in the Avdiivka region, near the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. Initiated on October 9, 2023, the offensive involves various military assets, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, infantry units, artillery, and air support. The Avdiivka region, a longstanding conflict zone, holds political significance for Russia, intensifying the engagements.
However, the Russian assault on Avdiivka has encountered challenges, characterized by chaotic and poorly coordinated tactics, resulting in significant casualties for Russian forces. As winter approaches, the outcome of the offensive remains uncertain, with ongoing clashes and the Russian military command reinforcing assault units, indicating a commitment to an aggressive strategy aimed at exhausting Ukrainian defenders.
While the carrying capacity remains undisclosed, the video suggests the UGV can transport a fully equipped wounded soldier or multiple ammunition boxes. (Picture source: Russian social media)
