Ukraine Uses Spanish Guardian 1.5 Remote Weapon Stations Mounted on TOA M113 and Kozak-5 Armored Personnel Carriers.

On August 10, 2024, the Ukrainian army released images showcasing the use of the Guardian 1.5 remote weapon station, produced by the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering. This station has been installed on at least two types of vehicles: the armored TOA M113, of which Spain has donated more than fifty units, and the Kozak-5, a locally designed wheeled vehicle. These systems were featured in several videos recently broadcast by the Ukrainian channel Army TV, one of which was even shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky on his official Facebook account.

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Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering Guardian 1.5 Remote Weapon Station Mounted on TOA M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (Picture source: Ukraine Media)

Until now, there had been virtually no images of this weapon station, although rumors had been circulating for months on social media that the Ukrainian army was equipped with turrets from the Spanish manufacturer. The images display details of the turret equipped with a Browning M2 machine gun mounted on a TOA and the operator's screen inside the armored vehicle.

The Guardian 1.5 remote weapon stations were acquired by Ukraine through a contract, details of which had not been disclosed at the time, as confirmed by Infodefensa.com. The number of units ordered is unknown, but it is specified that this order predates and is not related, according to informed sources, to the agreement signed between Spain and Ukraine in May, which includes the delivery of a weapons package for this year valued at 1 billion euros.

The Guardian 1.5 is a remotely operated weapon station designed to enhance the defense capabilities and operational efficiency of military vehicles. It is equipped to support various types of armament, but the model installed on Ukrainian vehicles is frequently seen with a .50 BMG caliber Browning M2 machine gun, a weapon known for its power and reliability in combat. The turret allows for 360-degree rotation and an elevation from -20 to +75 degrees, thus offering significant flexibility in engaging ground and aerial targets. The system is also equipped with advanced sensors including thermal and night vision cameras, allowing effective use under various visibility conditions.

The Guardian 1.5 is a weapon station that includes a gyro-stabilized system with precision under 1 mrad, enabling firing while the vehicle is in motion, 360-degree continuous rotation through its slip ring technology, and a cradle elevation range of -20 to +60 degrees. The electro-optics of the Guardian 1.5 system are comprised of an uncooled IR sensor capable of detecting NATO-size targets (2.3m x 2.3m) at distances up to 11.4 km, a visible light sensor with a detection range of 14 km, and a programmable frequency laser rangefinder (LRF) offering distance measurement options of 8 km or 15.5 km.

The manufacturer emphasizes the system's tracking capabilities with its cameras; the possibility of integration with GPS, the Battle Management System (BMS), and external sensors, including C4I; a simulation system with an integrated training program within the system; and a low-maintenance architecture with user-replaceable units (LRUs) from the start.

In terms of control, the Guardian 1.5 is designed to be operated securely from within the vehicle, thereby protecting operators in hostile environments. The user interface includes a robust and intuitive touchscreen that displays real-time information about the status of the armament and the battlefield. This system also allows for video recording for post-mission analysis and to aid in the continuous improvement of combat tactics. The modular design of the Guardian 1.5 facilitates integration on a variety of vehicle platforms, making it a flexible and scalable solution for the modern needs of armed forces.

Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering Guardian 1.5 Remote Weapon Station (Picture source: Ukraine Media)