Russia is adding a robotic mortar system to its expanding artillery fleet, extending indirect fire capability into its unmanned ground lineup.
The Kuryer combat robot has been observed with the rapid-fire Bagulnik-82 mortar during live-fire exercises, drawing attention to its automated turret and integrated reloading system.
According to Defence Blog, the platform features a rotating turret that houses the mortar tube, alongside a built-in automatic loading mechanism enabling sustained firing without manual reloading.
This marks the first public appearance of the mortar module. Its configuration appears to be based on the 2B24, a compact 82mm mortar designed for vehicle integration.
The weapon is mounted in a stabilized, rotating turret, allowing the system to engage targets across a wider arc without the need to reposition the vehicle.
Kuryer falls under Russia’s NRTK program, which focuses on developing unmanned ground combat systems to support frontline operations.
The platform’s longer-term role remains uncertain, including whether it will move into mass production or remain at the prototype stage.
Robot Rivalry Intensifies
The timing of Kuryer’s live-fire trials points to a broader push by Russia to narrow the gap with Ukraine in an intensifying race to deploy robotic weapons on the battlefield.
The tests appear aimed not only at advancing Moscow’s own capabilities but also at countering Kyiv’s growing reliance on unmanned systems.
In the first three months of this year, Ukrainian forces deployed ground robots in more than 21,000 missions, complementing soldiers in both combat and logistics roles.
In March alone, these systems were used in over 9,000 operations, up from roughly 2,900 recorded in November 2025.
