Ukraine uses British robotic dogs

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have started using BAD.2 model robot dogs created by the British firm Brit Alliance, according to a report by Bild, Germany’s prominent media outlet, Eurasian Times reported.

Cartoon image of a robotic war dog

The BAD.2 robot dogs are compact ground drones fitted with high-definition video cameras specifically designed for reconnaissance operations. They can carry out detailed surveillance without putting human lives at unnecessary risk.

Capable of speeds up to 15 km/h, these devices can navigate through trenches, wooded areas, and other difficult terrain that traditional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) might struggle to access.

Their agility and versatility make them invaluable for gathering intelligence in areas that are otherwise hazardous for soldiers. Their ability to manoeuvre through dense undergrowth and concealed positions makes them ideal for gathering critical information from areas that are difficult for drones or soldiers to reach.

The report said that more than 30 of these robot dogs are currently in use by Ukrainian forces. Each unit, depending on its modification, costs between €4,000 and €8,000.

To evade possible detection by Russian forces, the Ukrainian military has equipped these robots with German-made anti-thermal camouflage, improving their stealth effectiveness.

This innovative use of technology is contributing to a shift in tactical operations on the ground, with the robot dogs becoming an effective tool in the Ukrainian arsenal.

The use of these robotic units not only boosts the AFU’s reconnaissance abilities but also signifies a significant leap in military technology within real combat situations. This development challenges traditional tactics and introduces new dynamics to the conflict.

However, the Bild report does not reveal whether more robot dogs will be deployed in the coming months.