Engineers from the 28th SMB develop an anti-aircraft system based on a ground robot

Engineers from the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade, named after the Knights of the First Winter Campaign, have developed a mobile air defence system built on an unmanned ground vehicle. It is equipped with the Igla man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS). Photographs of live-fire tests of the new complex were published on the brigade’s official page, with Defender Media obtaining further details directly from the unit.

The need for an autonomous platform arose due to the dominance of Russian drones and aircraft in the combat zone. “Planes, helicopters, and reconnaissance UAVs frequently enter the positions of our infantry. Whereas these could previously be shot down relatively easily with MANPADS, Russian FPV drones now monitor every movement of the infantry and often prevent them from even leaving their trenches,” the servicemen explained.

The platform used to fire the missiles is a proprietary development of the brigade, as explained by an officer with the call sign “Khatab”. The robotic complex has been named “Alycha”, and following initial tests, engineers continue to improve its optics, communications, and operational range.

The closest analogue to “Alycha” is the ground robot “Volley”, which can also carry an Igla launcher. Other commercially available platforms do not meet the brigade’s requirements. Furthermore, building the platform in-house has proven more cost-effective than purchasing off-the-shelf solutions, which would still require modifications.

While there are currently no plans for mass production, the brigade confirms that the platform has already passed combat trials and is credited with downing an enemy helicopter.

It is also worth noting that at IRON DEMO 2025, the Ukrainian robot “Karakurt” from IRV demonstrated the capability to transport and launch up to six FPV drones.