Ukraine Lands Armed Robot Ashore In Russian-Held Territory Via Drone Boat

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Ukraine Lands Armed Robot Ashore In Russian-Held Territory Via Drone Boat

Described as a first of its kind, the mission could be a glimpse of what’s to come for amphibious operations.

By Thomas Newdick

Published

Jul 13, 2026 12:29 PM EDT

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123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade screencap

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A robotic boat glides through the darkness, reaches an occupied shoreline, and releases an armed ground robot that rolls inland to fight without a single soldier setting foot on the beach. While this sounds like a scene from a future war, it recently played out in southern Ukraine, reflecting Kyiv’s rapid embrace of uncrewed systems as it seeks to counter Russia’s invasion.

No soldiers. Just machines.

Ukraine has carried out the world's first known combat mission in which a sea drone transported and deployed an armed ground robot behind Russian lines on the occupied Kinburn Spit. pic.twitter.com/zyJdFXWxVb<br>— Ivan Khomenko (@KhomenkoIv60065) July 13, 2026

Described as the first of its kind anywhere in the world, the operation took place on the Russian-occupied Kinburn Spit in Ukraine’s southern Mykolaiv region, according to Ukraine’s 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, which carried it out on an unspecified recent date.

A map showing the approximate location of Kinburn Spit in Ukraine’s southern Mykolaiv region. Google Earth

“A new era of war begins with the decisions of courageous commanders,” the brigade stated today on its Telegram page, adding that the operation was led by the 123rd’s commander, Col. Oleg Makukha. The mission involved the brigade’s 1st Unmanned Systems Battalion, under Maj. Denys Gipik.

The UGV goes onto the spit as seen from the USV. 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade screencap

A video published by the brigade shows parts of the operation from an overhead aerial drone as well as from the uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV), and from the vessel that transported it to the shore. The uncrewed surface vessel (USV), powered by an outboard motor, beaches itself before lowering a bow ramp that allows the wheeled UGV to drive ashore. Armed with a machine gun, the UGV is then seen engaging a target beyond the beach. The USV subsequently departs, although it is unclear whether any attempt was made to recover the UGV.

A wider view of the beach as the USV heads toward the shore. 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade screencap

The UGV appears to be a member of the Rys family, produced by Roboneers and armed with a 7.62mm machine gun. These platforms typically incorporate a ballistic computer for accurate fire and artificial intelligence that assists with autonomous target detection, tracking, and engagement.

The UGV’s view of the machine gun mount. 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade screencap

The Rys family of vehicles is already widely used for logistics, casualty evacuation, combat engineering, and combat support missions. Variants have also been configured for minelaying and demining operations.

A Ukrainian UGV being used for the evacuation of wounded soldiers:

A Ukrainian robotic evacuation vehicle equipped with an armored capsule successfully rescued a wounded soldier from a frontline position.

During the extraction, the vehicle struck two mines on its return route. Despite the blasts, the armored capsule protected the wounded… https://t.co/84Cv2IMueX pic.twitter.com/rjwdARtyJ6<br>— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 22, 2026

Ukraine has stepped up its use of similar UGVs, which it claims have been crucial in certain engagements. Earlier this year, a Droid TW-7.62, also fitted with a 7.62mm machine gun, is said to have destroyed two Russian drones before opening fire on Russian infantry, killing one and injuring another. The Droid remained in the fight, despite artillery fire, and pushed back another Russian infantry attack.

Interesting use of Ukrainian UGV Droid TW-7.62 equipped with an FN MAG machine gun to shoot down FPV drones over Kramatorsk, Ukraine.

The robot warfare is here. pic.twitter.com/7Y2zj2jdoP<br>— Dimko Zhluktenko 🇺🇦⚔️ (@dim0kq)...