Exclusive: Russia Unveils World's First Artillery Unmanned Ground Vehicle Armed with 122mm Cannon.

Russia's defense industry unveils groundbreaking advancements in military technology with the development of the world’s first artillery Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) based on the MTS-15 tracked robotic chassis. This UGV is armed with a D-30, 122mm towed howitzer. This new combat system signifies a major leap in the realm of autonomous warfare, merging the versatility of a tracked vehicle with the destructive power of traditional artillery.
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The new artillery robotic system is unveiled at the Army-2024 defense exhibition that will take place from 12 to 14 August 2024 in the Moscow region.  (Picture source: French MoD)

The MTS-15 robotic tracked chassis is the main component of this innovative artillery UGV, engineered to operate efficiently in the most challenging environments with high mobility and precision. The system is equipped with a D-30 122mm howitzer, a formidable artillery piece with a long history of use across various global conflicts. By integrating this well-known howitzer into an autonomous platform, Russia has demonstrated its capability to modernize and adapt existing military technologies to meet contemporary needs.

The D-30 is a Soviet-designed 122mm towed howitzer that was introduced in the 1960s and has since become one of the most widely used artillery pieces in the world. Known for its durability, reliability, and versatility, the D-30 features a distinctive three-leg support system that provides a stable firing platform and allows for quick 360-degree rotation. It has a maximum firing range of approximately 15.4 kilometers and is capable of delivering a variety of ammunition types, making it effective in both direct and indirect fire roles. The D-30 has been employed by numerous countries in a wide range of conflicts, earning a reputation as a robust and effective artillery system.

One of the most striking features of this system is its remarkable firing range. The D-30 howitzer, mounted on the UGV, can engage enemy targets at a maximum distance of 15.3 kilometers. This extensive range provides the UGV with a significant strategic advantage, allowing it to strike from a safe distance. The system's rapid operational flexibility, capable of transitioning from a marching position to a firing position, and back, in just 30 seconds, further enhances its combat effectiveness.

The UGV's autonomous capabilities are a notable aspect of its design. Equipped with an automatic loading system, the vehicle can carry and fire ammunition without human intervention, significantly enhancing its operational efficiency and reducing the risk to personnel in combat zones. The MTS-15 chassis, designed for high mobility across various terrains, further enhances the UGV's operational capabilities. With a load capacity of 15 tons, the UGV can carry sufficient ammunition and supplies for extended missions, boasting a range of 120 kilometers and a maximum speed of 12 km/h, making it suitable for long-range missions in challenging environments.

The introduction of this artillery UGV represents a significant advancement in unmanned military systems, designed to operate under remote control conditions. It can engage enemy forces while minimizing the risk to Russian military personnel. With a remote control range of up to 500 meters, the UGV can be employed for both direct fire support and long-range bombardment, depending on the tactical situation.

This development has the potential to alter the dynamics of ground warfare, providing a new tool for both offensive and defensive operations. The system’s flexibility in deployment, whether for autonomous or remote-controlled missions, makes it an invaluable asset in various combat scenarios where traditional manned artillery might pose too great a risk

As global military technology continues to evolve, the deployment of unmanned systems like the MTS-15 artillery UGV is expected to grow. Russia's latest innovation underscores the ongoing trend towards automation and robotics in modern warfare, signaling a significant step forward in the future of armed conflict and for quick deployment in the Ukrainian battlefield.

The new Russian-made robotic artillery system is based on the MTS-15 tracked UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle fitted with a D-30 122mm towed gun mounted at the rear part of the robot. (Picture source Russian Social Network)