The United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with robotic dogs that have begun assisting troops in the battlefield, reportedly causing fear among Russian soldiers who encounter them. 

“The robot dog demonstrated its capabilities in delivering a range of critical equipment, showcasing its potential as an invaluable asset to military units,” stated Brit Alliance, the manufacturer of the units. 

“The robot dog exhibited exceptional mobility and agility, crucial for traversing complex and hostile environments,” the company added. “Whether navigating through debris, climbing over obstacles, or moving stealthily across open ground, the robot dog has proven itself capable of maintaining a high level of operational effectiveness.”

The British second-generation Brit Alliance Dog (BAD2) has been deployed to the battlefield, equipped with a thermal-infrared camera to navigate challenging terrain and perform a variety of wartime tasks, such as equipment delivery and reconnaissance. 

Ukrainian forces have received over 30 of these dogs, which essentially function as sophisticated land drones. Each unit costs around $9,000 to manufacture, and Brit Alliance has pledged to upgrade the units based on feedback from Ukrainian troops. 

Brit Alliance believes this battlefield demonstration of the BAD2 unit will contribute to its becoming a “cornerstone of modern military logistics.” The unit can travel at a speed of just over 9 mph and operate for five hours, covering a distance of over two miles, according to East2West. 

The commander of the Kurt & Company unit stated that they are working towards utilizing the dogs as “kamikaze drones against vehicles or enemy soldiers,” but they would be satisfied if “one dog saves one soldier’s life.” 

“We will start using them en masse after the complete modernization of the robodogs to our needs,” the commander indicated. “The process is already underway.”

Even Russian media outlets have acknowledged the presence of these unusual units on the battlefield, with one publication noting that “the enemy is no fool and is looking for ways to improve tactics, use new ideas and solutions.” 

Drones have played a significant role in the Ukrainian conflict, providing Ukraine with a more cost-effective solution as the conflict prolongs and each side strives for resourcefulness. 

Ukraine deployed the “Sea Baby” drone earlier this year in an attempt to destroy the Crimean Bridge, causing structural damage with the naval drone, which boasts a one-ton payload and can reach speeds of up to 62 mph, according to Ukrainian outlet . 

Russia has retaliated with its own land-based drones, but these models resemble remote-controlled cars. The drone, known as Scorpion-M, also possesses kamikaze capabilities and has seen increased use in the Donetsk region over the summer. 

The Scorpion-M can carry up to 55 pounds of explosives and has been employed to destroy underground hideouts and other facilities that conventional bombing has struggled to target. Experts have praised the drone’s maneuverability, but they have pointed out that its true advantage lies in the difficulty of jamming the units.

In this regard, the BAD2 will offer similar advantages, coupled with enhanced maneuverability: Christopher Alexander, a U.S. Army veteran with experience in Strategic Operations Command, previously told Digital that he found it difficult to imagine “anyone in the current state of technology or deploying these things at the company/battalion level.”