Ukrainian developers are converting Soviet-made BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicles into remotely controlled robotic platforms. After testing is complete, the hardware is planned for deployment directly on the frontline. This was reported by Ukrinform citing Vladyslav Voloshyn, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The project is managed by the Central Department for Innovation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The primary goal of upgrading the hardware is to preserve the lives of personnel by executing combat missions remotely.
Technical specifications of the upgraded vehicle
The updated platform will be capable of integrating a combat module with an automatic weapon of at least 12.7 mm caliber. The vehicle will be equipped with day and night vision cameras for situational awareness, navigation systems, and secure data transmission channels.
Engineers aim to enable remote operation of the BRDM-2 at distances of up to 1000 km. There is also a plan to replace the aging Soviet gasoline engine with a modern diesel unit from General Motors or Mercedes, paired with an automatic transmission.
Preparations for frontline deployment
The vehicle’s design will be reinforced with additional mine protection for the hull, splinter shielding, and high-traction tubeless tires. A redundant remote control system will be installed inside the hull.
Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn noted that the completion timeline remains confidential. However, due to the urgency of frontline requirements, the pace of implementation is accelerating, and the platform is viewed as a promising solution for combat operations.
Illustrative photo: Dmitry Ivanov. / CC BY-SA 4.0
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