Russia to Begin Serial Production of Marker Land Robot with Kornet Anti-Tank Missile & Drone Swarm Capabilities.

Russia is on the verge of entering a new era of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) warfare with the upcoming serial production of the "Marker" robotic complex. Developed by NPO "Android Technology", this versatile platform is poised to play a significant role in modern combat, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, where the strategic advantage of unmanned systems is increasingly evident. The Marker UGV's ability to carry powerful armaments, including the Kornet Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), and potentially deploy swarms of drones, positions it as a formidable asset on the battlefield.
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Russian-made Marker UGV equipped with Kornet Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, ready for deployment in modern combat scenarios. (Picture source Russian Social Media)

The Russian-made Marker UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) is designed to carry out a range of missions, from combat engagements to reconnaissance, making it a highly adaptable platform in modern conflict zones. The UGV comes in two versions: a wheeled model capable of achieving a top speed of 80 km/h, and a tracked version that reaches speeds of 70 km/h. Both models offer a cruising range of up to 1000 km on highways, ensuring they can cover significant distances without requiring frequent refueling. The vehicle can also overcome water obstacles up to 0.8 meters deep, giving it an edge in environments with varied terrain.

The Kornet ATGM is the primary weapon system on the Marker UGV, providing it with considerable anti-armor and anti-personnel capabilities. The 9M133M-2 Kornet missiles are equipped with tandem-shaped charge warheads, capable of penetrating over 1000 mm of armor, making the Marker UGV a potent threat to even heavily armored vehicles. The Kornet system's range of 8 km enables the UGV to engage targets from a safe distance. Additionally, the 9M133FM-3 multipurpose missiles, which have a range of 10 km and feature high-explosive warheads, broaden the vehicle's potential for engaging both armored and soft targets.

The Marker’s modular multispectral system integrates advanced neural networks and technical vision, providing enhanced situational awareness and enabling precision targeting. This system offers the Marker UGV the ability to function in both day and night conditions, further bolstering its effectiveness in diverse combat environments.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Marker UGV is its future integration with drone technology. In spring 2023, Yevgeny Dudorov, the executive director of NPO Androidnaya Tekhnika, revealed that the Marker UGV would eventually be capable of launching swarms of small kamikaze drones. This capability could enable the Marker to deploy up to 100 drones, which would significantly increase its firepower and versatility. These drones, equipped with explosive payloads, could target enemy positions, supply lines, and vehicles with high precision, further complicating the enemy’s defense efforts.

Incorporating drone swarm technology into a ground combat vehicle represents a leap forward in military strategy. This development aligns with global trends in automated warfare, where manned and unmanned systems work in tandem to overwhelm adversaries. The Kamikaze drone swarm capability could provide the Marker with not only offensive advantages but also strategic flexibility, allowing it to execute coordinated attacks with both ground and aerial assets.

The Marker UGV’s introduction is particularly timely given the ongoing war in Ukraine, where the effectiveness of unmanned systems has become a pivotal aspect of modern warfare. Both Russia and Ukraine have heavily utilized drones, whether for reconnaissance, strikes, or artillery spotting. The Marker, with its robust weaponry and advanced technology, could serve as a force multiplier for Russian forces, especially in contested or high-risk areas where human soldiers are vulnerable.

Ukraine has already demonstrated the effectiveness of unmanned systems in countering Russian armor and fortifications, using drone attacks and remote-controlled weaponry to target Russian positions. The deployment of the Marker UGV, equipped with the Kornet missile system, could potentially shift the balance of power, offering Russian forces a powerful tool to counter Ukrainian armored vehicles, tanks, and anti-tank defenses.

Moreover, the drone swarm capability adds a unique dimension to this weapon system. Ukraine has already employed swarms of drones in several high-profile attacks, and the Marker’s ability to launch its own aerial assaults could be critical in future combat scenarios. This convergence of ground and aerial unmanned systems represents a future-facing concept in which military assets are deeply integrated, providing real-time adaptability and rapid-response capabilities on the battlefield.

The Marker UGV is a clear indication of the evolving nature of modern warfare, where unmanned systems are increasingly seen as essential components of military strategy. The development of such systems reflects broader global trends, as many countries invest in unmanned vehicles—both ground and aerial—as force multipliers for their armed forces. As technologies like AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems continue to improve, UGVs like the Marker are likely to become more autonomous, capable of complex decision-making in real-time combat scenarios.

Russia’s focus on producing the Marker UGV in serial numbers underscores its recognition of the increasing importance of such platforms in modern conflicts. These systems could prove vital not only in the Ukraine conflict but also in future regional and global confrontations, offering cost-effective and risk-reducing solutions for complex combat environments.

The integration of the Kornet ATGM, drone swarm technology, and advanced vision systems within the Marker UGV could transform the landscape of military operations. As Russia prepares for serial production, its implications for warfare in Ukraine, and potentially beyond, are profound. Unmanned systems like the Marker are no longer the future—they are the present, and their development marks a new chapter in the way wars will be fought.

The serial production of the Marker UGV marks a significant milestone in Russia's military modernization efforts, enhancing its ground combat capabilities with advanced unmanned systems. In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the deployment of such systems could tilt the balance in Russia's favor by providing precise, long-range firepower and enhanced strategic flexibility. As global militaries continue to develop and integrate unmanned technologies, the Marker exemplifies the future of autonomous combat systems in a rapidly changing world of warfare.