In Russian concepts, robotic system

In Russian concepts, robotic systems should be especially useful in offensive operations against deliberate defence. The acceptance of losing machines allows highly lethal systems to be pushed through an adversary’s line of defence and the adversary’s attempts to slow down and canalise movement to be neutralised. An unmanned spearhead can find and fix the enemy forces and thus help maintain the speed of the main advancing forces.23 Meanwhile, in defensive operations, sensors and robotic systems can form a first line of defence for initialcontact with enemy forces. It is furthermore argued that a robotic infantry company could provide seven times more firepower, consume 20% fewer personnel and operate three times faster.24 Although these numbers cannot be taken as absolute, they indicate very well the attractiveness to Russia’s military planners of introducing robotic systems into the battlefield of the future.