As anticipation builds for Russia’s upcoming Armiya-2024 arms exhibition, intriguing details are emerging about a cutting-edge unmanned ground vehicle set to be showcased. Although the exhibition officially kicks off on August 12, early reports are shedding light on this advanced military development, which remains shrouded in mystery.
The centerpiece of this revelation is an unnamed 122-mm D-30 towed howitzer mounted on the MTS-15 tracked robotic chassis. This unmanned ground vehicle represents a significant leap in military technology, boasting the ability to be remotely controlled from a distance of up to 500 meters. Notably, the artillery system is equipped with a four-shot automatic loading device, a feature that underscores its combat readiness.
According to the Russian developers, the primary function of this robotic artillery system is to engage in hit-and-run tactics: emerging from cover, firing a series of shots, and retreating to a secure location for reloading. This strategy minimizes risk to human operators, who can manage the vehicle from a relatively safe but nearby position.
The D-30 howitzer’s firing range, capable of reaching up to 15.3 kilometers, adds another layer of strategic value, particularly in the realms of counter-battery warfare and countering drone activity. Meanwhile, the MTS-15 chassis is designed to handle a payload of up to 15 tons, achieving speeds of up to 12 km/h and a maximum range of 120 kilometers.
While the identity of the developers remains unknown, this year’s Armiya-2024 exhibition is marked by the participation of numerous small, so-called “people’s defense” companies. This shift towards showcasing smaller, innovative firms is a notable departure from previous years and was only announced by the Russian Defense Ministry less than a week before the forum’s start. Moreover, this year’s exhibition has been closed off to the general Russian public, adding to the event’s exclusivity.
As for the developmental status of this robotic howitzer, it’s still unclear whether this is a fully operational model or merely a prototype slated for future testing. If it’s the latter, the system may be years away from full deployment. A similar case is the Zubilo drone, introduced at Armiya-2023, which was still undergoing testing as of August 2024.
All eyes will be on Armiya-2024 to see whether this enigmatic weapon lives up to its promise and what it could mean for the future of modern warfare.
