Ukrainian Soldiers Build Robotic Air Defense System Using Igla Missiles on Remote-Controlled Vehicle

In a powerful example of frontline innovation, Ukrainian soldiers from the 28th Mechanized Brigade have developed a robotic air defense system that blends combat tech with creativity to tackle Russian aerial threats. The unit’s engineers have mounted a shoulder-fired Igla MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense System) onto a 4×4 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), creating a mobile, remotely operated missile launcher.

This makeshift air defense platform is already proving effective in battle. According to Ukraine’s defense news outlet Militarnyi, the brigade reported that the system has successfully downed a Russian helicopter in combat — a major achievement for a custom-built system operating under real war conditions.

What makes this system stand out is its remote operation capability. A custom-built targeting module lets the operator aim and fire the missile from a safe location, without directly exposing themselves to enemy fire. This drastically reduces risk, especially when deployed close to contested frontlines or in high-threat areas.

Photos released by the brigade show the UGV maneuvering over rough terrain, with the Igla missile launcher securely mounted on top. The vehicle’s compact, modular design allows for quick repositioning and supports mobile air denial missions — all while the crew remains under cover.

The Igla system, originally developed by the Soviet Union and still widely used by Ukrainian forces, is a short-range infrared-guided missile designed to hit low-flying aircraft. On this robotic platform, it gives troops a stealthy, flexible, and cost-effective way to neutralize helicopters and low-altitude drones.

This innovation is part of a broader Ukrainian trend: repurposing existing weapons and tech to keep up with the dynamic demands of modern warfare. As Russian drones and helicopters continue to pose threats across eastern Ukraine, such ground-level ingenuity offers vital new options for defense.

By adapting available tools into smart battlefield solutions, Ukraine’s military shows that sometimes survival and success hinge more on imagination than on new hardware.