Azov troops use robot for first time to extinguish fire after Russian strike

Troops from the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine have become the first in the defence forces to use a ground robotic system (GRS) to fight a fire following a Russian strike. The system has helped contain the blaze after Russian forces hit Kramatorsk.

Source: Azov brigade on Facebook

Details: The Azov soldiers deployed the Ukrainian-made drone system Zmii to put out the fire in the residential area of the city.

Quote: "The Azov fire platoon discovered gas cylinders at the site. We decided to use the GRS Zmii to avoid putting soldiers at risk. With its help, the fire was extinguished and prevented from spreading to neighbouring houses."

GRS Zmii extinguishing fire after a Russian attack on Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast. Photo: the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade

Details: Whenever there was a risk of renewed strikes or a Russian drone was spotted, troops moved to shelters but later returned to continue firefighting. According to the fire platoon commander, aka Berdiansk, previous firefighting operations used the armoured vehicle Novator. Integrating the GRS into their operations required significant effort and time.

"Using the GRS greatly reduces the risk to personnel because they can operate from a safe distance from the fire. We felt proud that the mission was successful," Berdiansk said.

Background:

• The Zmii Logistic ground robotic complex evacuated a seriously wounded soldier from the 11th Assault Battalion of the 59th Stepovi Khyzhaky Brigade on the Pokrovsk front.
• Ukrainian troops conducted another complex evacuation using a ground robot and telemedicine: the robot travelled 47 km to extract a wounded soldier from a kill zone while medics stabilised him remotely.

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