New footage shows how Ukrainian robot drones broke through Russian defences deep behind the frontline, triggering 'total panic' among Kremlin commanders. Up to 3,000 troops are believed to have been lost as Ukraine works to retake territory illegally claimed as Russian.
Operation Vivaldi and the 'Griffins'
'For the first time in the world, during [Ukraine's] Operation Vivaldi, the occupiers were attacked by 'Griffins',' said Makar, commander of the NSI-13 ground robotic systems. Heavy bomber drones, known as 'Griffins', dropped kamikaze ground robots more than 6 miles deep into enemy rear areas, he said.
'Robot cameras captured the technological breakthrough — where the enemy least expected it. Dead and wounded Russian soldiers appeared,' he added. The new technology allows Ukrainians to operate ten or 13 miles behind the Russian border.
Territory retaken and Russian casualties
The unconventional hi-tech tactics in Operation Vivaldi are doing what seemed impossible: retaking control from Russia of 48 square miles in the Donetsk region. Drone pilots were seen behind screens celebrating the moments they hit the Russians.
The 3rd Corps claims more than 3,000 Russian casualties across the operation and says it damaged the combat potential of Russia's 20th and 25th Combined Arms Armies and 1st Guards Tank Army.
