Ukraine’s New Robot Fires Grenades Without Seeing the Target

Ukrainian defense-tech firms Frontline Robotics and BUREVII have unveiled a new unmanned ground combat system that combines a robotic turret armed with a Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher and a mobile ground robotic platform known as ARDAL, the developers told Militarnyi on February 2.

According to the companies, the integration resulted in a versatile unmanned ground vehicle capable of performing fire support, logistics, and casualty evacuation missions on a single mobile platform.

A defining feature of the system is its ability to operate from concealed firing positions without direct visual contact with the target. This approach allows the Mk 19 grenade launcher to engage targets at maximum range while preserving camouflage and reducing exposure to enemy fire.

The system is remotely operated and supports autonomous and semi-autonomous movement and targeting modes. Developers say the robotic platform can traverse routes spanning dozens of kilometers in both directions without continuous operator input.

The turret is equipped with an onboard ballistic computer and functions on a “coordinate–fire–impact” principle. Operators select a point on a digital map, after which the system automatically calculates firing parameters and executes a precise strike.

In addition, the system supports programmable area-fire modes, enabling bursts across predefined sectors such as lines, rectangles, or elliptical zones. Built-in orientation sensors allow the turret to automatically compensate for platform tilt during targeting.

The BUREVII turret can operate autonomously for up to 48 hours, store data on up to 256 targets, and achieve an accuracy of approximately three meters at a distance of two kilometers.

Developers say the integrated system has already demonstrated its effectiveness in combat during an offensive operation. ARDAL can transition from transport mode to full combat readiness in under three minutes, while remote operation significantly reduces risk to personnel.

Earlier, a Ukrainian reconnaissance-strike ground robot captured three Russian soldiers during a combat operation, highlighting the growing role of autonomous systems on the battlefield.

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