Forbes: Russia Actively Deploying Unmanned Transport Platforms to Replace IFVs

Russia plans to integrate the Courier unmanned ground transport into its current operations. Forbes came to this conclusion, drawing attention to avideo of the testing of Buryat assault robots.

NRTK "Courier"
Image source Social networks

Thevideo clearly demonstrated the technical capabilities of the ground robotic complex (NRTK): two "Couriers" advance through the snow side by side with a unit of soldiers carrying out an offensive. This collaboration underscores the growing role of unmanned systems in the theater of operations.

Developed by volunteers, the Courier assault robot is an inexpensive universal platform the size of an all-terrain vehicle. It is equipped with a tracked chassis powered by 6 kW electric motors and can reach a top speed of 35 km/h.

The NRTK is equipped with an advanced navigation system, thanks to which the "Courier" can operate both autonomously and remotely. Each such robotic platform can carry a significant payload adapted to the needs of the mission. Thanks to its large carrying capacity, the unmanned platform can perform a wide range of actions, including logistics, medical evacuation, and combat missions.

In March 2024, "Couriers" were spotted on the line of combat contact with weapons in the form of turrets with automatic grenade launchers. In October 2024, Russian troopsreceived a new batch of unmanned combat platforms, which have since been used in various operations of the Russian armed forces. These platforms have gained the ability to mine territories.

Afresh video from social networks highlights the new combat role of the "Courier". In the video, drones advance through a snowy landscape and each is armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun and equipped with additional armor plates to protect the tracks.

The all-terrain vehicles confidently move through deep snow, although it is clear that they get stuck and correct their course several times. Moving forward, they trigger a mine that explodes in close proximity to the "Couriers", but none of them are damaged by the explosion. The Courier drones appear to be clearing the way for the BMP-1. The drones then provide covering fire as the soldiers move into position. Then the soldiers and all-terrain vehicles take turns providing covering fire while advancing forward.

This tactic is likely due to the current shortage in Russia of infantry fighting vehicles, which are typically used to provide fire support in operations like the one shown in the video. The Courier armored personnel carrier, being less complex than conventional armored vehicles, is faster and less resource-intensive to manufacture. Their compact design also makes them better suited for urban combat environments, where narrow streets limit the maneuverability of larger vehicles. In addition, their smaller profile makes them more difficult targets, especially for artillery.

Vikram Mittal, Forbes

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According to the Forbes observer, Russia is using unmanned systems to replace manpower. In the final part of the video, two Courier unmanned transport vehicles demonstrate high efficiency in performing the tasks assigned to them. They provide fire support and move forward, performing functions that are usually performed by infantry. The effective coordination between unmanned platforms and soldiers suggests that "Couriers" can be both independent participants in combat and provide support, reducing risks to personnel.

Potentially, "Couriers" can receive their own electronic warfare systems to destroy approaching enemy drones and use their machine gun to destroy them.