Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, head of department at the Central Innovation Activities Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told this to Ukrinform.

"One of the projects involves converting this vehicle [the BRDM-2] into a remotely controlled robotic platform," he said.

According to Voloshyn, the platform will have expanded capabilities for integrating a remotely controlled combat module equipped with an automatic weapon of at least 12.7 mm caliber. This is expected to enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian units and their effectiveness in carrying out combat missions while helping preserve the lives of service members.

"The main goal is to save the lives of personnel," he said.

Voloshyn said the upgraded vehicle will be equipped with day and night cameras to provide situational awareness, as well as systems for remotely controlling its main functions, monitoring the performance of its components and assemblies, determining its location, and providing navigation and orientation. The platform will also feature a remotely controlled combat module using secure data-transmission channels.

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He said work is currently underway to enable remote control of the vehicle from a distance of up to 1,000 km. In addition, the BRDM-2 is planned to be fitted with a powerful foreign-made diesel engine, with General Motors and Mercedes engines among those being considered, replacing the Soviet-made GAZ gasoline engine. An automatic transmission is also planned.

According to Voloshyn, the vehicle will receive additional mine protection for its hull bottom, tubeless high-mobility tires, a backup remote-control system inside the hull, and anti-fragmentation protection.

The colonel noted that Ukraine has a significant number of BRDM-2 vehicles in storage, making the project part of a broader effort to modernize Soviet-era military equipment and equip it with modern components, assemblies and modules.

"Preparations are therefore now underway for this vehicle's deployment, including specific trials and testing, followed by its use on the front line," Voloshyn said.

He did not give a specific timeline for completion, explaining that some information related to such projects cannot be made public. At the same time, Voloshyn said work on the project is expected to be accelerated following a recent combat incident, adding that the upgraded BRDM-2 "could well become a breakthrough on the front line."

As reported, Ukrainian military personnel and manufacturers are actively developing robotic ground systems, including for logistics, evacuation and engaging enemy forces without directly putting personnel at risk.

Illustrative photo: Ukroboronprom