Russia's MOD Expands Robotic Capabilities With Drone Swarms
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) is expanding its robotic capabilities, focusing on swarms of drones for air, land, and sea operations. Recent developments include plans for submarine-hunting UAVs and underwater microbot swarms for Arctic conditions.
In 2020, the MOD conducted its first aerial swarm trial, deploying three different drone types to provide layered coverage up to 250 kilometers. This trial demonstrated the potential of drone swarms to overcome air or ground defenses, acquire and strike multiple targets, and create confusion among defending forces.
The MOD's interest in swarm and group use for autonomous and robotic systems is not new. It has discussed these concepts for several years. Now, it is developing a specialized unmanned aerial vehicle to identify and combat enemy submarines, operating in a swarm using elements of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the MOD is designing an underwater microbot swarm capable of functioning in harsh Arctic conditions for extended periods.
The MOD's focus on robotic systems is partly driven by real-world experiences. Russian military bases and forces in Syria have faced multiple attacks by groups of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), highlighting the utility of such a concept. Consequently, the MOD has launched multiple concept developments for using robotic systems in urban-type warfare and operations involving unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) working together with aerial drones. One notable project is the 'Staya'-93, which centers on the connection and communication between leader and follower drones.
The Russian MOD's pursuit of robotic swarms for various military applications underscores its commitment to technological advancements. These developments aim to enhance Russian forces' capabilities, adaptability, and survivability in diverse operational environments.
