Robots on the front line: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence introduces new Spextr ground robotic systems (video)

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has announced the codification and approval for use in the Defence Forces of new Spextr ground robotic systems (GRS) of various modifications. These versatile unmanned platforms are designed to perform a wide range of tasks in combat conditions.

The Spextr UAVs are equipped with a silent electric motor, which allows them to operate unnoticed by the enemy. The battery charge lasts for several hours of continuous operation, which ensures long-term autonomy on the battlefield. Their compact size makes it easy to transport these robots in the back of a minibus or pickup truck.

What is weapons codification?

Weapons codification is the official process of entering samples of weapons, military equipment and gear into the relevant state or international registers, which allows their use in the armed forces. In simple terms, it is like official "paperwork" for weapons, which receives a unique identifier and the right to be used in military units.

What does codification mean?

• Official recognition - only coded models can be supplied to the Armed Forces, participate in public procurement and be integrated into the military system.
• Standardisation - weapons receive a unique number in accordance with the NATO Codification System (NCS) or national standards.
• Quality control - before being entered into the register, weapons are tested for compliance with technical and safety standards.
• Easy logistics - coded samples are easily identified in supply and repair systems.
• Simplified interaction with allies - for example, if weapons are coded according to NATO standards, it is easier to integrate them into military operations with NATO member states.

How does this work in Ukraine?

Codification is carried out in accordance with the National Codification System of Ukraine, which is unified with NATO standards. This means that each weapon is assigned a unique NATO Stock Number (NSN), which allows it to be used in international defence agreements.

Without this process, new types of weapons or military equipment cannot be officially supplied to the military or used at the front.

What else is known about the Spextr NRC

Depending on the configuration and attachments, Spextr UAS can perform a variety of tasks:

• Surveillance and reconnaissance of the territory.
• Transporting ammunition and logistics.
• Evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield.
• Fire damage to the enemy when equipped with appropriate weapons.

Thanks to their ability to overcome off-road conditions and difficult terrain, these robots increase the efficiency of combat missions and reduce risks to personnel.

The introduction of such technologies demonstrates the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine's commitment to modernising and improving the technological level of the Armed Forces, which is an important step towards strengthening the country's defence capabilities.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported that the Defence Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defence had contracted ground robotic systems for almost UAH 300 million.

Ukraine has been developing combat ground platforms since 2014. These include such developments as ShaBlya and Ironclad (Roboneers), Droid TW (DevDroid), Luty (DONS), Myrotvorets (Synergy), or the Scorpion family of platforms (Temerland).

Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine