Development of the mine clearance complex against the backdrop of the Special Operation
The Uran-6 missile complex in Luhansk, April 2022. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
In recent years, Russian army units have acquired a large number of ground robotic systems of various models. Using various equipment, they perform various tasks on the front lines and in the rear. Specifically, they are used to clear mines and render hazardous objects harmless. Significant progress has been observed in this area, with the development of new platforms and the introduction of various mine clearance equipment. According to data presented at an expanded meeting of the Ministry of Defense in early 2026, in the border regions of Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk alone, over 150 hectares of land have been cleared and approximately three million explosive ordnance objects have been destroyed—a scale unachievable without the widespread use of robotic technology.
How it all began
Mine-clearing complexes have been involved in the special operation almost from its very beginning. Over the past four years, a wide range of systems have been deployed at the front and in the rear. All have demonstrated their potential, after which conclusions have been drawn. The most successful models have been further deployed.
Thus, almost from the very first days of the special operation, the well-known Uran-6 RTK, developed by 766 UPTK (now the Special Design Bureau of the Ministry of Defense), was used in humanitarian demining. Weighing approximately 6 tons with a 1,7-meter-wide trawl and a radio-controlled range of up to 1000 meters, this vehicle is capable of withstanding the detonation of land mines with a TNT equivalent of up to 4 kg. In the summer of 2022, the Prokhod-1 system from VNII Signal—essentially a robotic version of the BMR-3M engineering vehicle—was first spotted in the combat zone. In 2023–24, military trials of the MGR-4 Shmel and several other models were reported.
Until recently, only specialized engineering RTK systems capable of solving a predetermined range of tasks were considered. However, in 2023–24, platform systems with an expanded range of functions began to appear in the military. Specifically, using the appropriate equipment, such systems are capable of mine clearance.
Prokhod-1 in a combat zone, summer 2022. Photo: Telegram / Dambiev
Several types of robotic platforms with varying equipment and capabilities are present at the front. The most well-known is the Kuryer robotic complex, capable of carrying various devices, equipment, and weapons. Other developments, such as the Shuttle extended-range payload carrier and the compact tracked robots of the Karakal series, first shown at the Army-2025 forum, are also of interest.
It's worth noting that the Russian defense industry has long been engaged in the field of robotic engineering. The first prototypes of this type were accepted into service over 10 years ago and have since proven themselves in action on numerous occasions. The special operation and its challenges have served as a catalyst for the development of new projects for similar equipment. These projects include both specialized products designed for specific missions and general-purpose robotic systems. Both concepts have their merits.
As a result, the army has the opportunity to test various RTK systems with various functions, including mine clearance, and select the most successful ones. The results of this process can already be seen in the combat zone and in liberated territories cleared of explosive devices. Indirect confirmation of the scale of this work is provided by data from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations: in 2025 alone, the agency's pyrotechnic units detected and defused over 137 explosive devices.
The MGR-4 "Shmel" system based on a loader. Photo by Rostec.
Robotic platforms
Domestic mine-clearing robots are built on a variety of bases. They utilize off-the-shelf chassis or custom-designed platforms with the necessary specifications and features. However, some projects feature rather unusual bases.
The very first domestic engineering RTK, the Uran-6, was built on a tracked chassis adapted by a domestic developer. This platform offers relatively high performance and excellent off-road capability. Furthermore, its dimensions are sufficient for mounting large working tools for mine clearance and other tasks.
An extremely interesting base was used in the "Prohod-1" project. This system was built on the basis of the BMR-3M engineering armored vehicle. The existing tank chassis and other equipment. The vehicle was also equipped with remote controls, allowing the operator to work remotely from the danger zone.
The MGR-4 "Shmel" RTK also has an unusual base. It is based on the production ANT-1000 mini-loader from the Kovrov Electromechanical Plant. The finished machine has been stripped of its cab and received armor plating and a new control system. A prefabricated boom with hydraulics, meanwhile, simplifies the installation of work equipment. The radio control range is up to 1000 m.
The updated version of the Shmel, presented by the High-Precision Systems holding company of the Rostec State Corporation, features several significant design improvements. The soil loosening depth has been increased to 250 mm—a quarter more than the previous value; the hammer shape and chain length have been changed; a floating trawl system that follows the terrain has been introduced; and the tracks now have steel shoes to protect against blasts. A hydraulic winch has been installed for independent recovery from sticky soil, and the Prometheus control panel has been given an extended battery life. According to reports from Army-2025, the updated Shmel is particularly effective against small-sized Lepestok-type mines, which previously caused considerable problems for standard mine-clearing systems.
The "Shuttle" vehicle is based on a high-performance all-terrain vehicle. The vehicle is 3,8 meters long, 2,5 meters wide, and weighs 1350 kg without payload. It is an all-electric platform, allowing it to navigate difficult terrain almost silently.
The Shuttle rocket complex with its extended payload at the test site. Photo by MobiDik LLC / RT
A unique platform was developed for the multi-purpose Kurier RTK. It is a compact, tracked vehicle with electric traction and remote control. 6 kW electric motors enable speeds of up to 35 km/h, with a battery life of 12 to 72 hours depending on the load, and a remote control range of up to 10 km. The platform has mounting positions for various heavy-duty devices that determine the system's functionality.
Several other modern ground-based RC vehicles have a similar architecture. For example, at Army-2025, Kurganmashzavod debuted the tracked Karakal, boasting a payload capacity of over 500 kg, a cruising range of 150 km, a control range of up to 2 km, a standard thermal imager, and a jam-resistant radio channel. These and other platforms differ from each other in various design features, characteristics, functions, and so on.
Working bodies
Engineering equipment can utilize a wide range of devices to combat explosive hazards. Nearly all the main types are used in mine clearance systems. These systems are equipped with mine-clearing devices, suppression systems, and more.
For example, the Prokhod-1, an automated version of the BMR-3M engineering vehicle, retains its main instrumentation. It is equipped with a TMT-S roller lowboy and an electromagnetic attachment. It also has a jamming station for suppressing the control channels of explosive devices.
The Kurier system with the Ignis laser system. Photo: Telegram / NRTK
The Uran-6 can use several types of lowboys: roller, ram, and milling. The robotic Shmel is also equipped with a ram lowboy. Despite its simplicity, this type of lowboy delivers excellent results.
Recently, experiments were demonstrated with the installation of an electromagnetic mine-clearing device on the Kurier RTK. The system, equipped with this equipment, clears some mines from a safe distance. Furthermore, in 2025–2026, the Kurier received several other important upgrades. The vehicle can be equipped with a drilling rig for remotely installing protective nets—this creates "anti-drone corridors" for infantry and equipment. A powerful complex has also been installed. EW, which forms a radio jamming dome around the robot with a diameter of approximately 300 meters. A group of such machines has reportedly already undergone combat testing in one area, supporting the actions of assault units.
More daring experiments are also known. For example, the Shuttle spacecraft was once converted into a carrier for an extended charge. A UR-83P launcher is mounted on its hull, and an internal compartment is dedicated to the stowage of an extended UZP-77 charge—a 93-meter-long sleeve loaded with 725 kg of explosive. Clearing the area is accomplished by laying and detonating the charge: RocketThe towing vehicle ejects it 450-500 meters, after which it detonates, clearing an area 5-6 meters wide and up to 90-95 meters long of mines. The Shuttle is similar in functionality to the existing UR-77 vehicle, but has distinctive differences—primarily the absence of a crew and the ability to conduct a stealthy approach using electric propulsion. During the Zapad-2025 strategic exercise at the Mulino training ground, the Shuttle was already used in the general combat formation of engineering assets, creating passages through minefields; RTK-200 complexes in a "kamikaze" configuration were then deployed into the resulting passages.
The Shvabe holding company has developed a specialized mine-countermeasure laser system, the Ignis. It was previously demonstrated as part of the Kuryer RTK. The laser beam can burn through the mine's casing and melt the explosive without detonation, preventing fragmentation and uncontrolled explosions. The system operates at distances of up to 100–150 meters and is equipped with a fiber laser, a thermal imager, and a high-resolution aiming camera. It is controlled via radio or fiber optics with a range of up to several kilometers. In October 2025, the first video footage of the Ignis in action was released—burning out TM-62 anti-tank mines during an exercise.
What unites modern RTKs
The army has a variety of terrain clearance systems. Some of these systems require a towed or self-propelled platform to deliver them to the designated area and maneuver them across the designated area. Experiments and field experience have shown that such a platform does not necessarily require a crew. It is possible to use specialized or modified robotic systems. Such vehicles are capable of mine clearance tasks and also offer a number of important advantages.
Standard trawls of the Uran-6 complex: striker and milling
First and foremost, mine-clearing systems reduce risks to their crews. During operations, the operator remains at a safe distance from the mined area, but has full control over the situation.
Modern RTKs often feature modular payloads. This simplifies assembly and upgrades, and allows for the onboard components to be optimized to meet current missions. Furthermore, it's possible to quickly convert a transport or combat RTK into a mine-clearing system.
Recent projects clearly demonstrate that robotic complexes are capable of carrying and deploying virtually any type of mine countermeasure device or system. These include various types of mine-clearing devices, electronic countermeasure systems, and even lasers. In all cases, they successfully combine the advantages of robotic platforms and mine countermeasure systems.
Not without difficulties
At the same time, combat experience has revealed a number of issues that must be addressed in the course of operations. Chief among these remains the vulnerability of communication channels to enemy electronic warfare systems. This is why new modifications of the Courier and other vehicles increasingly include redundant radio channels with fiber optic lines, as well as the use of their own electronic warfare systems. FPV systems have also become a serious threat to ground robots.drones: the answer to this was protective grilles, anti-drone "domes" and nets.
Additional limitations are related to the platforms' maneuverability in rugged and swampy terrain, their dependence on imported components, and the high cost of individual models. Mine clearance tasks are also impacted by the fundamental characteristics of mine-explosive weapons: high requirements for the accuracy of mine detection and clearance limit the full automation of the process. However, as experience is gained, these issues are being gradually addressed.
In a global context
The development of mine clearance robotics is a global trend. According to industry research estimates, the global market for explosive ordnance disposal robots was valued at $1,36 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately $3,5 billion by 2034.
L3Harris T7
In 2026, the US Navy and Marine Corps will receive the first batch of 34 L3Harris T7 heavy robotic systems—tracked vehicles with manipulators designed to operate close to active electronic warfare assets. In Israel, 4M Defense won a major tender as part of the national "Eastern Border Security Barrier" program—the modernization of approximately 500 km of the border with Jordan. Turkey, meanwhile, has announced its readiness to participate in demining the Black Sea.
The Chinese approach is particularly interesting: it relies on the group deployment of four-legged robots ("wolf packs") with the integration of LiDAR sensors, optics, and onboard AI. Chinese companies currently control up to 80% of the global LiDAR market, providing them with a powerful sensor base for all unmanned platforms.
The enemy is emphasizing mass production: according to Ukrainian statements, approximately 15 ground robots of various types, including mine-clearing ones, were planned for deployment to the front by 2025. However, the Ukrainian military itself admits that the effectiveness of mine-clearing using NRKs has so far not exceeded 4,5 points out of 10—a task that has proven to be one of the most challenging for robotic platforms.
What's next
Various types of mine-clearing RTKs have already found widespread use in the Russian army and are currently actively deployed in the special operation zone. As reported by Lieutenant General Yuri Stavitsky, Commander of the Troops, in early 2026, specialized units for the use of RTKs have been formed in the engineering troops, and training centers with training grounds, simulators, and repair laboratories for unmanned systems have been established. The first higher military school for training personnel for the unmanned systems forces is planned to open by 2027.
It's expected that the number of such systems in service will continually increase. Furthermore, new developments will regularly emerge—with greater autonomy, elements of artificial intelligence in navigation and mine detection systems, and better protection against electronic warfare and FPV drones. While the first generation of Russian mine-clearing systems, such as the Uran-6, paved the way for the removal of a minefield engineer, the second generation—the Kuryer, Shmel, Chelnok, and Ignis—transforms mine clearance from a support operation into a fully-fledged, technologically advanced element of modern combat support.
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