Ukrainian Army approves flame-throwing robot

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially approved the use of the domestically developed KRAMPUS mobile flamethrower strike drone by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The system, designed for frontline operations, combines mobility, autonomy, and firepower in a compact and stealth-capable form.

According to a statement from the Ministry, KRAMPUS features a low-profile, tracked chassis driven by two silent electric motors. It is small enough to fit in the bed of a pickup, a van, or on a trailer, and is engineered for movement across difficult terrain, including forests, sand, marshes, and steep slopes.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

Developers say the platform’s reinforced control channels and weather resistance allow it to operate in extreme conditions, including cold, heat, snow, and rain. Its battery system enables several hours of continuous operation.

The system is equipped with video surveillance gear and an integrated combat module armed with RPV-16 infantry rocket flamethrowers. These weapons are designed to neutralize enemy personnel and lightly armored vehicles.

As noted by the Ministry of Defense, KRAMPUS is capable of long-duration surveillance and strike missions from fixed positions, maintaining operational readiness in standby mode. Its compact, silent profile and modular configuration allow for flexible deployment near the front line.

The Ministry has not disclosed the number of units expected to be deployed, but defense officials say KRAMPUS represents a broader trend toward integrating unmanned ground systems for specialized missions, including fire support and reconnaissance.

Readers who wish to follow our weekly coverage can subscribe to the Weekly Defense Roundup.

If you wish to report a grammatical or factual error in this article, please let us know by using the online form.

Executive Editor

Support The Defence Blog

Independent reporting takes resources. Join us on Patreon.

Become a patron

More Like This

Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted nearly 90% of June attacks

Russia launched 5,929 air attack weapons against Ukraine in June 2026, ranging from cheap one-way drones to ballistic missiles traveling at several times the...

Ukrainian drones hit Russian fighters at Crimea’s Saki air base

Ukraine's Security Service, the SBU, confirmed five drone strikes on aircraft hangars at the Saki military air base in Russian-occupied Crimea on July 1,...

Russia claims it shot down 64,000 Ukrainian drones in six months

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, tabulating figures from Russia's Defense Ministry daily briefings, reported that Russian air defense forces destroyed at least 63,993...

Ukraine hits Russian missile sensor factory deep inside Russia

Ukrainian weapons struck a strategic defense research institute in Penza, Russia, that develops and manufactures critical sensor technology for Russia's Iskander ballistic missiles, Bulava...

Ukraine possibly tested its first heavy ballistic missile on Moscow

Something unusual happened during an air raid alert over Moscow Oblast on June 30, 2026, and the debate over what it was has moved...