Ukraine’s Machine-Gun Ground Drone Ambushes Russian MT-LB in Point-Blank Assault, Video

A Ukrainian ground-based robotic platform armed with a heavy machine gun engaged a Russian armored vehicle at point-blank range during a field test near the front line, according to Defense Express and the Telegram channel “Proofs Dnepr” on November 30.

During nighttime testing near the contact line, a robotic ground platform operated by Ukraine’s 5th Separate Assault Brigade encountered a Russian MT-LB armored personnel carrier reportedly advancing toward Ukrainian positions for an assault.

The Ukrainian system, armed with a Browning M2 heavy machine gun, opened fire at close range.

According to reports, the engagement occurred unexpectedly as the Ukrainian unit conducted trials of the ground drone under combat conditions.

The MT-LB—originally a Soviet-designed multipurpose tracked armored vehicle—has frontal armor of approximately 14 mm and side/rear armor of about 7 mm. The Browning M2’s armor-piercing rounds are capable of penetrating up to 20–25 mm of steel at a range of 500 meters.

Given the short distance at which the engagement occurred, the firepower was likely sufficient to breach the vehicle’s armor, although the extent of the damage and casualties remains unconfirmed.

The Russian vehicle appeared to have additional anti-drone protection mounted. Despite this, the robotic unit was able to reposition and continue firing after initially allowing the vehicle to pass its location.

While the use of robotic ground systems in Ukraine has expanded, their primary role remains logistical—such as evacuating wounded personnel or delivering supplies. As Defense Express notes, it is still uncommon for such systems to be deployed in direct combat roles, especially against armored targets.

The video offers a rare look at the potential combat role of these systems. However, Defense Express notes that such engagements remain situational and are not yet standard battlefield practice.

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Category

War in Ukraine

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According to the outlet, wider deployment will require purpose‑built platforms and the development of coherent tactics for using armed ground robots in both offensive and defensive operations.

Earlier, satellite imagery analyzed by open-source researcher Jompy revealed that Russia’s 7004th military storage base near Arsenyev had been almost entirely emptied of MT-LB armored vehicles, indicating large-scale withdrawals to support frontline operations in Ukraine.

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