VIDEO Russia tests 'Kuryer' robot with new combat system that eliminates part of frontline troops. How it works
Russia has released images of range tests of a new unmanned ground robotic system (UGV) called “Kuryer”. It is equipped with an 82 mm automated mortar, called “Bagunlnik-82”, and allows attacks to be launched without exposing soldiers to counter-battery fire.
Technical specifications of the Kuryer mortar system
The “Kuryer” platform is a tracked vehicle with compact dimensions, designed for mobility on rough terrain, writes Defense-Blog.com.
In video footage published by the NRTK channel, which covers the development of Russian robotic systems, the focus is on the central element of this robot: a rotating turret that houses the mortar barrel and an automatic loading mechanism with 82mm bombs.
The images show how the system's mechanical arm can retrieve and insert a shot into the barrel every five seconds or so. This reload speed ensures a sustained rate of fire comparable to or even superior to traditional human crews, the cited publication writes.
The Bagunlnik-82 mortar has not been mentioned in any public report so far, but given its caliber and configuration, analysts suggest the weapon could be derived from the 2B24 mortar, a lightweight 82 mm mortar already in service with the Russian army, Defense-Blog writes.
The 2B24 mortar, according to information published by the manufacturer, hits up to a distance of 6,000 meters.
What most clearly differentiates the images of the Bagunlnik-82 from previous demonstrations of Russian unmanned ground systems is the automatic loader. In practice, Russia's publicly unveiled ground robots so far have mostly relied on machine guns or guided anti-tank missiles — weapons that don't require actual manual reloading between fires.
Battlefield use and great tactical advantage
The practical significance of an unmanned mortar platform lies in what it removes from the equation: people. Conventional 82mm mortar teams are among the most vulnerable elements of an infantry formation, especially in today's context where contact lines are always under threat from drones. Basically, the crew of a mortar gun is exposed during installation, firing and movement. Soldiers also become targets for rapid counter-battery fire as soon as the enemy identifies their position.
A robotic system that can shoot, move, and shoot again without humans around directly addresses this vulnerability. This allows commanders to place indirect fire capabilities in locations too dangerous or too exposed for human teams.
The mode of operation follows the “shoot and run” tactic (shoot and shoot). That is, the platform moves to the launch point, executes rapid fire using the autoloader and immediately leaves the area. Even if the enemy detects the source of the fire and retaliates, the loss is only material, not human.
The specialized publication writes that these robotic units can be used by commanders to harass opposing defensive lines or provide immediate fire support to assault troops. Although the system is still in the testing phase, the transition from design to working hardware indicates a clear direction of Moscow towards full automation of light artillery.
