The role of unmanned ground platforms in the protection of infantry units in an offensive operation

The development of modern weapons and military equipment as well as the need for the highest possible degree of protection of people in combat operations contributed to the development of autonomous and unmanned systems. The mentioned systems have a significant degree of application in the armed forces due to a wide range of uses. By implementing these systems in infantry units, the elements of resistance and force protection are increased to a higher level. Unmanned ground vehicles in an offensive operation can be used for activities of reconnaissance, raids, clearing and destruction of unexploded ordnance, evacuation of the injured and sick, transport, fire support, and others. The paper presents the capabilities and characteristics of various types of unmanned ground platforms and analyzes their use in combat operations and their role in protecting the forces of infantry units in an offensive operation. The advantages that these vehicles provide to infantry units are defined, and the conclusion represents the author's proposal for the implementation of unmanned ground vehicles in infantry units of the armed forces.