Ukrainian Employs Kamikaze Ground Drone to Strike Russian Fortifications.

On April 22, 2024, the soldiers of the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade in Ukraine showcased the combat use of a kamikaze ground drone in a recent military operation against Russian positions. The operation was documented in a video on their Telegram channel, which displayed the drone being remotely operated to strike enemy locations, though the specific model of the drone was not identified.
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Video screenshot of the ground drone kamikaze in the middle of Russian positions, before and after the explosion (Picture source: Telegram Channel @63ombr )

The video captures the movements of Russian troops in trenches and between shelters, at which point the Ukrainian drone maneuvers closer to the enemy positions. The wheeled drone stops above an infantry shelter and detonates, partially destroying the fortifications used by the occupants. This particular drone is designed for ground movement and, although it cannot fly, it serves as an effective tool for countering enemy forces. This innovation is credited to the 23rd Rifle Battalion, part of the 63rd Brigade.

Previously, this brigade had used a ground drone for remote demining operations. A wheeled drone approached Russian positions, deployed two anti-tank mines, and then discreetly withdrew before detonating them. In another instance, a kamikaze ground drone named Ratel S was used to destroy a bridge in the village of Ivanovske, Donetsk region, aiming to disrupt enemy logistics towards Bakhmut.

The Ratel S is a kamikaze ground drone developed by Ukrainian engineers as part of the Brave1 cluster. It is primarily used to transport explosive payloads, such as anti-tank mines, and for sabotage missions like destroying key infrastructures, including bridges. This drone was employed in an operation to disrupt enemy logistical lines by destroying a bridge in Ivanovske.

The use of kamikaze ground drones in Ukraine represents a significant evolution in asymmetric warfare tactics. These drones are designed to infiltrate enemy lines discreetly and deliver explosive charges on strategic targets such as fortifications, heavy equipment, or critical infrastructures like bridges. Their ground operation mode makes them less visible to anti-aircraft defense systems, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in heavily defended environments. They also reduce the risk to human forces by enabling remote attacks without direct engagement.

Additionally, these drones offer the notable advantage of being relatively simple to manufacture, allowing soldiers in the field to build their autonomous systems at a lower cost. Even when equipped with lethal munitions, these "homemade" drones can be assembled using readily available components and basic instructions, thus enhancing the asymmetric response capability against a better-equipped adversary.

However, kamikaze ground drones also have inherent weaknesses. Like all drones, their reliance on guidance and communication technology makes them susceptible to electronic jamming and cyber countermeasures, which can divert or neutralize them before reaching their target. Moreover, their effectiveness is limited by their autonomy and ability to navigate complex terrains. Despite these challenges, their integration into Ukrainian military strategies continues to evolve, demonstrating their transformative potential on the modern battlefield.

Defense News April 2024