Ukraine’s Defence Forces receive low-cost strike UGVs equipped with Kalashnikov rifles

A member of Brave1 defence tech cluster has developed a turret for Kalashnikov rifles that can be mounted on low-cost strike UGVs. Brave1’s press service told Defender Media about the development.

Ground robots equipped with the turrets are already undergoing combat trials with Ukraine’s Defence Forces. In particular, fighters from the SBU’s Special Operations Center “A” have successfully used the robotic system to destroy enemy ambushes involving concealed “wait-and-see” drones, according to the cluster.

The UGV is built on a four-wheel chassis with airless tyres and a protected body. The weapon module is based on a twin turret fitted with two Kalashnikov rifles.

Brave1 says the developers received technical requirements and a grant from the cluster to develop the turret. The process from idea to working prototype took less than six months. In addition to the basic configuration, the turret can be mounted on other wheeled and tracked UGVs.

The developers chose the Kalashnikov rifle because it is the most widely used small arm among Ukrainian military units. The cluster says the simple and effective solution could enable the rapid scaling of armed UGVs for assault operations and defence against enemy infantry.

Brave1 notes that since the beginning of 2026, UGVs have carried out more than 100,000 combat and logistics missions on the frontline, replacing Ukrainian troops in these tasks.

In July, Defender Media reported that Lviv-based Roboneers had codified the remotely controlled Sabre K2 combat module. The turret is equipped with two paired AK-74 rifles.