how the program to create ground-based drones “Despatch” is developing –

The High-Precision Complexes holding (part of the Rostec state corporation) delivered a batch of Depesha wheeled drones to the troops. The company’s press service reported this.

“These are multifunctional, remotely controlled platforms on a wheeled chassis. The vehicles are equipped with special modules and manufactured as part of the state defense order,” the release says.

As the holding reminds, the design of the “Despatch” makes it possible to mount various equipment on it. Thanks to this, the platform, in particular, can be used to deliver cargo weighing up to 200 kg and evacuate the wounded to the rear.

“Our engineers from the High-Precision Complexes holding company have created an inexpensive, compact, multi-purpose complex. Depending on its configuration, it is capable of delivering cargo and performing other tasks,” the company’s press service quotes the industrial director of Rostec’s arms, ammunition and special chemicals cluster, Bekhan Ozdoev.

“Depesha” has an independent suspension and is highly maneuverable, the developers say. The maximum speed of the platform reaches 30 km/h.

According to analysts, such drones became widespread during the SVO and have already proven their demand.

“Wheeled vehicles like “Dispatches” are needed, because now at least 5-10 km, or even 20 km, is the work area (of air. – RT) drones. Therefore, putting soldiers at risk (so that they themselves deliver ammunition or take out the wounded) is not the best idea. If possible, then, of course, it is better to transfer these functions to a drone on wheels that is controlled remotely,” noted military observer Kirill Fedorov in a commentary to RT.

Military expert Vasily Dandykin shares a similar opinion.

“It all started with drones for mine clearance. They performed well. Then came combat drones, including wheeled ones. Unmanned platforms make it possible to evacuate casualties and deliver ammunition. At the front, such vehicles are needed to work under enemy fire,” the specialist explained in an interview with RT.

“Enemy electronic warfare systems are powerless”

Let us remind you that the creation of the Dispatch first became known in June 2024. The original version used a tracked rather than a wheeled chassis. This modification could reach speeds of up to 15 km/h and carry a load weighing 150 kg.

Rostec then noted that the new product can be used not only as a transport, but also to solve combat missions. In particular, the company claimed that “Despatch” is the world’s first ground-based FPV kamikaze drone.

Among the targets of the Dispatch may be enemy personnel, fortifications such as pillboxes and bunkers, fortified firing points and strongholds. In addition, robotic systems can perform terrain mining tasks.

The dimensions of the Dispatch allow it to be transported in the trunk of an SUV or car. The drone can be controlled by one person. To do this, he will need a joystick and an FPV helmet.

In December last year, the developers announced the creation of a modification of the “Despatch” controlled via a fiber-optic cable.

“There are modifications based on radio control, and others based on fiber optics – they are very easy to distinguish by the presence of a coil. How did the idea to create a modification with fiber optic control come about? First of all, based on the presence of a task to improve noise immunity. And this approach certainly justifies itself. The range of the platform with fiber optic control is the same as with radio control – 3 km. Upon return, the coil is changed,” the creators of the device said in an interview with TASS.

As analysts remind, UAVs using fiber optics have already proven their high efficiency.

“Now we use combat fiber-optic drones, against which enemy electronic warfare systems are powerless. The principle of cable control, by the way, had previously been tested on anti-tank missiles (for example, on the Fagot ATGM. – RT). This is a very effective remedy,” believes Vasily Dandykin.

In turn, Kirill Fedorov notes that fiber optic systems have their limitations in use.

“Optical fiber is a thin, light wire. It cannot be silenced, it is not afraid of electronic warfare. But there are also disadvantages to such systems. The wire may break. In addition, it has a limited length. But in general, optical fiber is now one of the trends in the unmanned field,” said the specialist.

A real “terminator”

The robotization of “Despatch” is carried out through the use of the “Prometheus” software and hardware complex, which was created in the bowels of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute “Signal”. In addition to the Dispatch, Prometheus is also used on the MGR-4 Shmel unmanned humanitarian demining vehicle, created on the basis of the ANT 1000 multifunctional mini-loader.

In addition to this, Prometheus can also be used to robotize conventional armored vehicles, says Bekhan Ozdoev.

“Today we are creating software and hardware solutions that can turn, in fact, any combat vehicle, including a tank, infantry fighting vehicle, and self-propelled gun, into a robot. This approach allows us to use equipment in the most dangerous areas without risk to our soldiers,” the press service of the High-Precision Complexes company quotes him as saying.

For example, Rostec previously said that when installing Prometheus on the BMP-3, the software package replaces the driver and gunner. Thanks to the automated loading mechanism, digital fire control system and electric drive of the machine controls, the machine can be controlled remotely using a remote control. At the same time, the BMP retains its regular seats and, if necessary, the crew can take over control.

According to Bekhan Ozdoev, Prometheus is now developing towards increased autonomy. In the future, a machine equipped with it will be able to move without the participation of an operator along given coordinates with access to the required point, learn to autonomously determine the best route, avoid obstacles, and quickly process information using technical vision.

“If you combine Prometheus with advanced fire control systems, you get a real Terminator,” says Ozdoev.

The industrial director of Rostec added that such equipment will soon become widespread.

“Remote control – be it air systems, sea or ground – is the future. I am sure that a little time will pass and this technique will become widespread. After all, it can solve problems on the front line without putting the lives of soldiers at risk,” he emphasized.

Kirill Fedorov believes that robotic armored vehicles are needed primarily to perform the most dangerous tasks at the front.

“For example, it will be useful for assaulting support forces. Unmanned tanks and infantry fighting vehicles will reduce risks for military personnel. But the question here is that with robotization, the combat effectiveness of these machines is preserved, so that the equipment can work and perform tasks,” the analyst said.

According to Vasily Dandykin, the use of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence in the military sphere will only expand.

“During the time of the SVO, quite a lot of innovations have already appeared. At first, drones were not used so massively, but now we are already creating troops of unmanned systems. This area is developing by leaps and bounds. It is clear that artificial intelligence will be used more and more. Combat experience helps developments in this area,” the expert concluded.