Ukraine’s defense ministry has officially approved a new flamethrower robot, known as the Krampus, for deployment in military units. This uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) is now part of a diverse fleet of over 80 ground drone designs available to Ukraine’s armed forces.
The Krampus is designed for both offensive and defensive missions against infantry and light armor. It operates via remote control and is equipped with RPV-16 rounds, which are rocket-propelled thermobaric munitions developed in Ukraine for infantry use.
This tracked vehicle is powered by two silent motors, making it compact enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. The ministry highlighted its robust controls, which are resistant to jamming and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions like cold, heat, snow, and rain. Additionally, it is built to navigate difficult terrains, including forests, sand, swamps, and slopes.
With a capable battery, the Krampus can sustain movement for several hours and maintain standby mode for prolonged periods. While the defense ministry did not reveal details on the UGV’s operational range or ammunition capacity, images suggest that it can carry four RPV-16 launchers, which are typically single-use.
This official endorsement allows Ukrainian forces to utilize their budgets to procure the Krampus UGV. Its heavier construction provides advantages over conventional flying drones, such as the ability to carry larger explosive payloads and perform various missions, including casualty evacuation and mine clearance.
Oleksandr Chernyavskiy, a soldier in the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade, emphasized the value of UGVs like the Krampus, stating they can effectively replace infantry in combat scenarios. His brigade has developed a similar UGV equipped with machine guns, operating within a range of 20 kilometers, and combining efforts with aerial drones for enhanced scouting capabilities.
Ukraine aims to deploy 15,000 UGVs in the field by the end of the year.