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Russia’s “Unmanned” Clover Howitzer Still Needs a Gunner—New Upgrade Fails to Fix Fatal Flaws
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia’s attempt to modernize its experimental unmanned self-propelled howitzer MTS-15 “Clover” has failed to address the system’s core shortcomings, Defense Express reported on October 24.
According to Defense Express, the “Clover” is based on a tracked drone platform originally designed as a remote-controlled tractor. It uses a Soviet-era D-30 towed howitzer fitted with a drum-type autoloader.
The latest version reportedly features a 12-cell ammunition drum instead of the previous eight, allowing the system to carry six rounds—two more than before.
However, despite these updates, the MTS-15’s tactical and technical limitations remain significant. The vehicle’s maximum speed is only about 12 km/h, which severely limits its ability to relocate after firing. Its remote-control range does not exceed 500 meters, and the system lacks electronic fire control or automatic gun-laying mechanisms.
As Defense Express noted, this means an operator still has to manually aim the weapon, undermining the purpose of an unmanned design. Additionally, the platform has no stabilizers, reducing accuracy and increasing recoil instability during firing.
The MTS-15 “Clover” was first unveiled at the Army-2024 defense forum and developed by several Russian defense entities, including the “9th Plant,” Rostec, Techmash, and the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Despite more than a year of development, the system’s practical capabilities have not improved. The publication concluded that the latest update—an autoloader with two additional rounds—does not address fundamental design flaws such as low mobility, limited range, and the continued need for human targeting.
Earlier in October, official data showed Russia’s defense industry sharply slowing after years of rapid wartime growth, with production of military vehicles and metal goods declining for the first time since 2022.
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