Russia tests new materiel at Zapad 2021 exercise
An entrenched B-19 and Uran-9 at their fire positions during the Zapad-2021 exercise. (Russian MoD)
Unmanned systems such as UGVs, modernised IFVs with remote turrets, and a mine-laying system all appeared in a recent Russian exercise.
At the large-scale Zapad-2021 exercise, Russia demonstrated B-19 IFVs, Uran-9, Uran-6 and Nerekhta UGVs and the newest Zemledelie remote mine-laying system (ISDM).
A detachment of Uran-9 UGVs was employed with combined-arms formations to suppress enemy infantry and armoured vehicles at a distance of 3-5km, as well as providing motor rifle units with covering fire. Meanwhile, Nerekhta UGVs performed reconnaissance and surveillance.
While the Russian MoD claims that the Nerekhta and Uran-family UGVs debuted at Zapad-2021, in fact they have already been fielded during the Vostok-2018 exercise and in Syria. The first batch of Uran-9 UGVs was handed over
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability]()
Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability
MARSS became part of EOS Defence earlier this year, bringing together the former’s C2 NiDAR and Nation Shield air defence products with the latter’s suite of effectors and sensors.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine]()
Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine
Pearson Engineering’s Threat-Sense system is designed to use imaging from drones to geolocate scattered mines and support uncrewed systems in defeating the threats.
-
![Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?]()
Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?
Artillery remains a key tool on the modern battlefield. Artillery platforms, however, are increasingly at risk from enemy fire, whether from other artillery or uncrewed …
