Heavy Russian assaults near Novopavlivka, Bohdana howitzer production. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Russian massive attack in the Novopavlivka direction

Yesterday, the Ukrainian General Staff released a video showing the Russian morning attack in Donetsk region, specifically on the Novopavlivka direction along the Andriivka - Oleksiivka road. The Russians' likely objective was to reach Oleksiivka, defended by the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade. What was unique about this attack was that, unlike traditional small group assaults, the Russian aggressors launched a full-scale attack with substantial forces and equipment. Up to two infantry platoons and significant armored vehicles were involved. Tanks moved first, followed by BMPs and vehicles with infantry. The Russian approach was detected in advance. Mines, cluster munitions, artillery, and then UAVs were used to stop the assault. In the end, the Russian invaders lost at least 12 units of equipment, 18 occupiers were killed, and 7 were wounded. After this attack, the Russian troops retreated to regroup for new assaults in this direction. Such attacks are relatively regular on this section of the front.

After intense tactical battles, the Ukrainian Armed Forces stabilized the frontline along most of the Donetsk front, particularly along the Pokrovsk - Myrnohrad line. This is why the Russians have now decided to shift the focus of their efforts to the line Uspenivka - Rozlyv, and there is currently a certain dynamic around the Kostiantynopil - Bahatyr road. The Russian actions in this direction are very clear. When we talk about Oleksiivka, the Russians are trying to capture or bypass this settlement. In doing so, they aim to create a northern threat to the Bahatyr - Kostiantynopil road and strike our units from the rear. A similar situation exists in the south, where the Russian units have advanced to the village of Rozlyv, which is now 90% occupied by the Russians. This is why the risks for Kostiantynopil are significant, and decisions regarding the next steps of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in this area will depend on military leadership.

ARX Robotics ground robotic systems in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ihor Kornilov, CEO of ARX Robotics, said that the company was founded by three former Bundeswehr soldiers in 2022. ARX Robotics specializes in the production of ground robotic systems, as well as digital solutions designed to transform classic vehicles into ground robotic systems. Kornilov said that the company's products are already in use in the Bundeswehr, the UK, and Switzerland. In addition, ARX Robotics' UGVs have been used in NATO missions on the Eastern Flank.

GEREON RCS - NRC manufactured by ARX Robotics

Ihor Kornilov said that today the most modernized version of the NRC is GEREON RCS. It is a modular platform for various operational tasks. The first batch of these ground robotic systems was delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in two modifications - for logistics and evacuation tasks. GEREON RCS has a payload of up to 500 kg and a range of up to 30 km. The GEREON RCS is equipped with Silvus radios, which provide communication over a distance of up to 4 km and communication speeds depending on the type of modification of the RCS. The RCS is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera, a measuring unit, and it is possible to install other modules to perform other tasks.

Currently, GEREON RCS ground robotic systems are just being deployed in Ukraine. They are currently undergoing training and maintenance. Kornilov noted that it is too early to draw conclusions about the platform's performance, but it is safe to say that the RCS has shown its quality in some tests. He elaborated that today the biggest problem for the NRC is mud sticking to the platform during tasks. Unfortunately, there are no technical solutions to completely eliminate this problem. That is why the company is working on a solution to simplify the maintenance of the LHD in different weather conditions.

Localization of ARX Robotics I production in Ukraine

Kornilov said that the group is now considering two phases of the company's development. The first one is based on how the company is moving at the moment. This includes training for Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, maintenance, repair, and feedback support. The second phase, which is planned for the near future, will include partial localization of production, primarily for mechanical and housing components. All of this is necessary to reduce production costs, ensure fast delivery of spare parts, and shorten supply chains. At the same time, the company is working to integrate other Ukrainian modules in the first phase of development.

Bohdana self-propelled howitzer – result of the effectiveness of Ukraine's defense industry complex

The Ukrainian-made self-propelled artillery system Bohdana has become very well-known both within Ukraine and abroad. A few days ago, several reports were aired on European TV, discussing the use of these systems by Ukrainian units. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have both self-propelled and towed versions of this system in service. With NATO-standard shells, the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer has a firing range of up to 42 km with conventional high-explosive fragmentation shells, and up to 60 km when using guided rocket-assisted ammunition.

 When talking to journalists, the Ukrainian military provided many details about this self-propelled artillery system. In particular, they said that the barrel of the Bohdana howitzer is highly resistant to wear. In fact, it can withstand up to 6-8 thousand shots. This is a very good indicator compared to European counterparts. It was also said that the units fire 100-120 shots per day. The targets include enemy vehicles and personnel, although sometimes the Bohdana self-propelled artillery system is used for counter-battery combat due to its long range.

A very important factor is that this self-propelled artillery system is manufactured exclusively by Ukrainian enterprises. In particular, the Kramatorsk Machine-Building Plant, which is now relocated to other locations in Ukraine and European countries. The cost of production of this self-propelled artillery system is significantly lower than its analogues and amounts to 2.5 million euros. It is also known about the production rate of the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer. This is at least 154 self-propelled howitzers in 2024. The manufacturer can produce up to 20 vehicles per month, unless the production of the platforms themselves, in particular those manufactured by TATRA, is delayed.