NRTK Courier: Ukraine's New Tech Weapon with AGS-17 and Mine Carrier Showcased at Army 2024.

The Russian Army 2024 arms expo takes place in an international context defined by the ongoing war in Ukraine, where fighting has intensified, particularly with the recent Ukrainian offensive in Kursk. This event, a showcase of technological advancements in Russia's defense industry, provides Moscow an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. Among the innovations presented, a weaponized version of the NRTK "Courier" UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle), equipped with an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher and mine carrier, stands out.
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The Courier UGV, which can reportedly be equipped with AGS-17 / AGS-30, NSVT, PKT, RPO, RPGs, TM-62 and TM-83, and EW systems (Picture source: Vk Channel @Осведомитель)

The NRTK "Courier" is particularly noteworthy for its modular design, which allows it to be configured for various roles, including combat, logistics, supply, and electronic warfare. This flexibility makes it a versatile solution for the diverse operational needs of Russian armed forces.

At the Army 2024 expo, a version of this UGV armed with the AGS-17 and mine carrier was highlighted. The AGS-17, a well-known infantry support weapon globally, is capable of providing continuous fire support against unarmored or fortified targets when mounted on a platform like the "Courier." Among the presented variants, one features a flash suppressor, while another integrates a combat module with automatic target acquisition and tracking, reflecting the growing incorporation of artificial intelligence in Russian weapon systems. The UGV also serves as a mine transporter, with the option to install mine barriers on the road, which appear to use TM-62 mines. Additionally, if desired, it can be used as a kamikaze vehicle, similar to mined MTLB units.

The TM-62 is a Soviet-era anti-tank blast mine, recognized for its versatility and effectiveness, with numerous variants developed over time. Typically, the TM-62 is equipped with a central fuze and contains a 7.5-kilogram explosive charge, though the specifics can vary significantly depending on the variant. The mine can be deployed either manually or automatically using various mine-laying systems, including the PMR-1 and PMR-2 wheeled mine layers, the GMZ-3 tracked vehicle, and the VMR-2 helicopter system. The TM-62 is compatible with several fuzes, such as the MVN-72 and MVN-80, which are sensitive to vibration and magnetism. This mine has seen extensive use, including during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Among its variants, the TM-62M, with its circular metal casing, is the most widely used. Other versions include the TM-62B, with a paper or cardboard casing, the wooden-cased TM-62D, and plastic-cased variants like the TM-62P, TM-62P2, and TM-62P3. The TM-62 can be equipped with different fuzes, such as the MVZ-62 and MVCh-62, with options for magnetic influence fuzes that offer full-width attack capability, making it highly effective against armored vehicles. The operational life of these mines can be influenced by the type of fuze used, with mechanical fuzes typically offering longer-lasting functionality compared to electronic ones. The TM-62M variant, for instance, weighs 9.5 kilograms, has a diameter of 320 millimeters, and operates with a pressure range between 150 to 550 kilograms.

The significance of the NRTK "Courier" extends beyond its presentation at the expo. This vehicle has already been deployed in Ukraine, where it was involved in a historic encounter on March 29, 2024. In this battle, two Russian UGVs, one armed with an AGS-17, were engaged by a Ukrainian First Person View (FPV) drone. This remotely piloted drone successfully destroyed both vehicles, marking the first documented combat between ground and aerial drones. This confrontation highlights the rapid evolution of technological warfare in Ukraine, where drones and other autonomous systems are increasingly central to combat operations.

The destruction of these UGVs by a Ukrainian drone not only demonstrates the effectiveness of unmanned systems in combat scenarios but also underscores the vulnerability of new technologies to innovative countermeasures. The Ukraine conflict, serving as a testing ground for modern warfare, reveals the growing prominence of robotic systems on the battlefield, reshaping military engagement strategies.

In conclusion, the NRTK "Courier," with its various configurations and operational deployment in Ukraine, illustrates Russia's strategy of integrating autonomous systems into its armed forces. As the Army 2024 expo continues to unveil new technologies, the war in Ukraine remains the ultimate proving ground for these innovations, determining their effectiveness and future role in conflicts.

A Ukrainian FPV First Person View aerial drone strikes a Russian UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle. (Picture source Screen shot video footage)