According to Ukraine’s Ministry’s of Defense own data, the first remotely operated combat module “ShaBlya” has been released for use. This reports the German news website n-tv.de.
As many as three units have been approved to operate the module. A message on Telegram explains, “The combat module is used for reconnaissance to identify targets on the battlefield and engage enemy troops, fire positions, and lightly armored vehicles.” Back in April of this year, a video was circulated purporting to show the 68th Separatist Brigade using a “ShaBlya” system. The video shows how the module is equipped with weapon and ammunition and fired independently, similar to a remote-controlled machine gun.
The Ministry of Defense quotes the head of the development team as saying, “We are pleased that the Ukrainian ‘ShaBlya’ is held in high regard not only by our soldiers and the Ministry of Defense, but also by friends of Ukraine such as former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.”
This information comes from a party to the conflict and has not yet been independently verified / confirmed. For this reason, the report must be evaluated with reservations. In war, it can be advantageous for parties to make false statements about the course of the conflict in order to strengthen their own position or weaken the position of the opponent.
Image: president.gov.ua, Робоча поїздка Президента України на Запоріжжя 70, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size modified)
