Newest Russian Uran-9 Robotic Warfare System Spotted in Syria… Or Not?

The newest Russian Uran-9 unmanned ground vehicle has been spotted in Syria.

In January, Russian military expert and chief editor of the Arsenal Otechestva magazine, Viktor Murakhovsky, said that the usage of perspective models of combat robots by the Russian Armed Forces in Syria is already a well-established practice. At that time, he also noted that the newest Uran-9 robotic warfare system also could be tested in the Syrian Arab Republic.

“It is not a secret that Russia tests a number of robotic products in Syria: not only the Uran-6 mine clearance systems, but also the Soratnik and Nerehta unmanned vehicles. With regard to the specific model, noticed by British media, – yes, I do not exclude that the Uran-9 and other systems may appear in Syria,” Murakhovsky told the RIA Novosti news agency in January.

About a month later, it was reported that the Uran-9 was allegedly spotted in Syria (source).

However, after a closer examination of the video at a higher resolution, the newest Uran-9 robotic warfare system turned out to be the old T-62M main battle tank, also arrived from Russia. However, maybe, we will also have a chance to see the Uran-9 in Syria in the near future.

The Uran-9 unmanned ground vehicle is designed to support the Special Forces with its firepower, as well as to implement intelligence activities. The robotic warfare system is armed with the 2A72 automatic cannon, a 7.62-mm machine gun and the M120 antitank guided weapon of the Ataka system. The Uran-9 is capable to fight a battle and effectively destroy enemy tanks at a distance of up to 8 kilometers. In addition to the combat module, the unmanned ground vehicle is also equipped with a laser guidance system. Experts believe that the Uran-9 can be used in anti-terrorist operations and local armed clashes.