The third assault force captured Russians for the first time in human history with the help of a ground robot
An event took place in the Kharkiv region that may already be included in the textbooks of modern military history. The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted an unprecedented operation - for the first time, the Russian occupiers surrendered to machines rather than people. Ukrainian soldiers repulsed the enemy's fortified positions using only FPV drones and ground robotic systems (GWS), without any infantry involvement and without any losses on our side.
It all started with the kamikaze attacks by FPV drones and UAVs of the NC13 unit of the DEUS EX MACHINA airborne assault company of the 2nd Assault Battalion. The drones destroyed the dugout, and the ground troops continued their attack, approaching the already dilapidated fortifications. When the next NRC came almost close, the Russian soldiers, realising the inevitable, decided to surrender.
"We want to surrender". Illustration: a still from the video telegram channel of the Third Assault Brigade
The most interesting thing is that the "iron stormtroopers" not only forced the enemy to lay down their arms, but also took part in escorting the prisoners. FPV drones coordinated the movement of the occupiers to the Ukrainian positions, where they were met by our infantry.
This fortification had not been stormed by other units twice before, but a well-planned operation and the use of unmanned platforms changed the course of events. After successfully clearing the area and the forest belt, Ukrainian troops consolidated their new positions.
The operation became the first confirmed case in modern warfare when ground robots and drones independently repelled enemy positions and took prisoners. This is evidence of a new level of technology and tactics on the battlefield, where unmanned systems are no longer just supporting infantry but are able to fully replace them in the most dangerous tasks.
Ground Robotic Complex (GRC)
LRC is an acronym for "Land Robotic Complex". These are unmanned mobile platforms designed to perform tasks on land without direct human intervention. They are used for military, rescue and engineering purposes to minimise risks to personnel.
In the military sphere, UAS can perform a wide range of tasks:
- reconnaissance and surveillance of enemy positions thanks to installed cameras and sensors;
- delivery of ammunition, medicines or equipment to the front line;
- evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield;
- Participation in assault operations as a "kamikaze" - with an explosive charge to destroy enemy fortifications.
The UGVs are typically equipped with electric motors or hybrid propulsion systems, have tracked or wheeled bases for increased mobility, and protected hulls to withstand shelling and debris.
In Ukraine, UGVs are actively used in units that implement innovative methods of warfare, such as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, where they have become part of complex attacks along with FPV drones. Such platforms are usually remotely or semi-autonomously controlled and are capable of operating in GPS-free environments.
Facts about RNA:
- Many modern UAS weigh between 50 and 200 kg and can carry up to 300 kg of cargo.
- The driving range is up to several kilometres, depending on the model.
- The Ukrainian APCs used at the front are mostly made by local manufacturers or upgraded from civilian platforms.
Third separate assault brigade
The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is one of the most capable units of the Ukrainian army, formed in January 2023 on the basis of the former Azov Regiment as part of the National Guard. The brigade became part of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and received the status of a regular unit. The 3rd Brigade actively participates in the hottest areas of the frontline. The brigade's units distinguished themselves during the battles for Bakhmut in 2023, where they performed both assault missions and operations to liberate Ukrainian territories. The brigade has become a symbol of resilience and professionalism thanks to its well-trained soldiers, high motivation and modern approaches to warfare.
The brigade consists of several battalions, including some units specialising in the use of FPV drones, robotic platforms and other high-tech weapons. One of them is the DEUS EX MACHINA company, which develops and deploys ground robots in combat.
The slogan of the 3rd Brigade is: "Strength in Truth". The brigade is a unit that actively integrates the latest technologies on the battlefield, demonstrating that the future of warfare is high-tech solutions and innovations.
