Robot gunner joins Russian assault units

Russia’s military has unveiled its updated Courier robotic combat platform.

According to Russian state media, an uncrewed ground vehicle, or UGV, is being tested at a rear-area training ground where operators are practicing target engagement with several mounted weapons, including an automatic grenade launcher, a heavy “Kord” machine gun, and a Kalashnikov tank machine gun.

The platform, formally designated as the multifunctional ground robotic complex (NRKT) “Courier,” is designed to support assault operations by delivering direct firepower and conducting battlefield logistics. According to the Ministry of Defense, the system can be configured to carry a variety of weapons and payloads, including anti-personnel mines, supplies, and ammunition.

In a statement to TASS, a Russian soldier with the callsign “Stary” described the Courier’s impact during a recent operation near the village of Fedorivka.*

“It delivered effective firepower on the enemy, suppressing their position,” he said. “It allowed us to seize the initiative, which is critical in assault operations.”

Another soldier, identified as “Fago,” noted that the robotic vehicle is equipped with forward and rear-facing cameras, and can be used to deploy explosive obstacles in addition to transporting supplies.

“Courier can reach difficult areas and deliver food or ammo,” he said.

The robotic platform is part of Russia’s broader push to integrate unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) into combat roles. While Russia has promoted robotic platforms for years, few have been deployed at scale. Courier appears to be one of the first systems to undergo sustained combat testing with frontline units.

*No independent confirmation is available regarding the combat effectiveness of the Courier system or the accuracy of the claims made by Russian sources.