Ukraine develops Droid TW 12.7 unmanned ground vehicle to strengthen reconnaissance and fire support.

On December 9, 2024, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense approved the deployment by the Armed Forces of Ukraine of the new Droid TW 12.7 robotic combat system. Developed by the Ukrainian company DevDroid, this unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) has undergone extensive testing, confirming its reliability in combat conditions. The system operates on a tracked platform designed for challenging terrains and is equipped with a Browning 12.7 mm machine gun, supported by a 300-round ammunition capacity.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Droid TW 12.7 is intended for various operational roles, including reconnaissance, direct combat engagements, protection, patrolling, and mine and obstacle clearance. (Picture source: DevDroid)

According to the Ministry of Defense, the codification and operational approval of the Droid TW 12.7 aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The ministry stated that modern technological solutions are crucial for addressing contemporary battlefield challenges. Furthermore, the approval process reflects the system’s compliance with NATO codification standards, marking the first instance of a Ukrainian system equipped with a Browning machine gun to achieve this designation. DevDroid has confirmed that the Droid TW 12.7 is modular in design, allowing for flexibility in configurations and upgrades. The company reports a production lead time of up to 45 days per unit, with costs ranging from $26,000 to $29,000.

The Droid TW 12.7 is intended for various operational roles, including reconnaissance, direct combat engagements, protection, patrolling, and mine and obstacle clearance. It is also capable of radiation and chemical reconnaissance tasks. The tracked platform provides high mobility, enabling it to operate effectively in difficult conditions. The system’s remote control and digital communication capabilities enhance its utility in minimizing personnel exposure to risks. DevDroid emphasized the Droid TW 12.7's potential to work alongside other robotic and autonomous systems, creating integrated solutions for modern military operations. The company previously developed systems such as the Wolly turret, which can also be remotely controlled. In addition to its combat applications, the Droid TW 12.7’s modular design allows for further development to meet specific mission requirements.

The Droid TW 12.7 is remotely controlled via a tablet or gamepad and utilizes secure digital communication systems, including Starlink and LTE integration. Its targeting is managed through optical-electronic systems with thermal imaging capabilities, featuring White Hot, Black Hot, and Red Hot modes. The platform has an operational range of up to 15 kilometers and can effectively engage targets at distances of up to 1,000 meters.

The introduction of the Droid TW 12.7 follows Ukraine’s increasing adoption of robotic systems within its military. Units like the “Legion of Freedom of Russia,” operating on Ukraine’s side, have recently received ground-based drones with mounted machine guns, illustrating a growing trend toward the use of unmanned systems in combat scenarios.

The Droid TW 12.7 represents one of over 120 weapon systems and pieces of military equipment codified by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in 2024. This approach reflects the fact that Ukraine has recently developed several unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for military purposes. These include the Droid TW 12.7, a robotic system equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, which has been approved for deployment following combat tests. Another notable UGV is the "Lyut" (Fury), introduced in May 2024, featuring a PKT 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on an all-wheel-drive chassis designed for military operations. Additionally, Ukraine has adapted UGVs to launch OZM-72 mines offensively, employing them as mobile tools for delivering fragmentation effects similar to mortar fire.

The increased focus on combat Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) development by Ukraine reflects a strategic need to enhance operational efficiency and reduce risks to personnel. These systems are used for tasks such as delivering supplies, evacuating the wounded, and engaging enemy forces, minimizing human exposure to frontline hazards. The formation of the Unmanned Systems Forces in June 2024 demonstrates Ukraine's strategic focus on incorporating unmanned technologies into its military operations. Partnerships with companies like Milrem Robotics aim to support the production and innovation of robotic defense systems. This shift toward UGVs aligns with broader trends in modern warfare, emphasizing automation and technological capabilities to address battlefield challenges.