By Laura Zilincanova

 

KYIV, 27 Sept.  (ANA) - Ukraine's new robot drones have killed or wounded 3,000 Russian troops since being deployed. New footage has showcased the revolutionary war tactic carried out by Ukraine's Third Army Corps during Operation Vivaldi. Footage shows heavy bomber drones - known as Griffins - dropping kamikaze ground robots more than six miles into Russian-held territory. Cameras mounted on the Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) captured the robots staking out Russian soldiers before detonating their payload.

 

The deep-strike tactic was created from scratch by the soldiers of the NC13 strike ground-robot unit. Mykola Zinkevych, commander of the NSI-13 ground robotic systems unit, said the "robot cameras captured the technological breakthrough where the enemy least expected it". He described the operation as "safari - just driving around", with the best part being "the chaos that erupted on the enemy side".

 

The chaos unfolded as electronic warfare was used to jam Russian drones, leaving crews watching the front line unable to see what was moving across it.

 

Mykola compared the tactic to the "old days" when paratroopers were dropped from aircraft, except that now "unmanned systems are being deployed from heavy bombers".

 

Kremlin commanders were left stunned by the operation, with some reportedly struggling to believe it was possible.

 

Mykola said: "You could hear it all on the radio: a vehicle drove up, then exploded...

 

"Their command didn't believe the reports - a huge row broke out, total panic."

 

After the robots had completed their work, Ukrainian troops moved in on foot, taking up positions under the cover of artillery and drones.

 

Ukraine is using unconventional high-tech tactics in Operation Vivaldi as its forces push to retake control of the Donetsk region from Russia.

 

Ukrainian forces have reported liberating Serednie, Shandryholove and Derylove, while establishing "full control" over Drobysheve.

 

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago, Ukraine has emerged as a global leader in military drone technology.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/27 September 2026  - - -