Ukrainian Protector UGV receives Tavria-12.7 combat module with Browning M2 machine gun: demonstration firing

Ukrainian enterprise Ukrainian Armor has held a public demonstration of the heavy unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) Protector, which was fitted with the remotely controlled Tavria-12.7 combat module for the first time. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing an official statement from the manufacturer. The vehicle features the angular geometry characteristic of military platforms, is painted olive green, and is equipped with tall communication antennas, indicating its purpose for operating within network-centric command and control systems. The demonstration took place at an open testing ground, where the complex was showcased both statically and in motion.

Tavria-12.7 Combat Module

The key element of the updated configuration is the Tavria-12.7 combat module, armed with a 12.7mm Browning M2 machine gun. The installation of this weaponry elevates the Protector from a purely logistical platform to the category of armed robotic systems capable of engaging ground and air targets. The module is remotely controlled, allowing the operator to remain under cover and deliver targeted fire without being directly in the kill zone. According to the manufacturer, the combination of the Protector base and the Tavria-12.7 module significantly expands the range of tasks the platform can perform in field conditions.

Demonstration Firing: Ranges and Performance

During the demonstration, firing tests were conducted at several ranges — 100, 700, and 1000 meters. Fire was delivered both from a stationary position and while the complex was in motion, simulating real combat scenarios where the platform moves across rough terrain. According to the manufacturer, the hit rate exceeded 70%. These figures, the company notes, confirm the reliability of the base-and-module combination and the stability of target acquisition in dynamic conditions. It should be noted that the performance figures are provided by the manufacturer and apply to demonstration conditions rather than actual combat environments.

Expanding Platform Tasks

Prior to the installation of the combat module, the Protector complex was primarily oriented toward logistical functions and the evacuation of wounded personnel from the frontline. The new configuration, according to the developers, allows the same platform to engage ground and air targets, including other drones. Thus, the same chassis can perform both supply and fire suppression tasks, increasing the economic efficiency of the robotic fleet and simplifying logistics since separate vehicles are not required for each role.

Context: The UGV Race

The demonstration of the Protector with the Tavria-12.7 takes place against the backdrop of active development in the unmanned ground vehicle segment. Recently, Renault Group presented the modular Forefront Concept UGV, built on proven automotive technologies and components, featuring two electric motors, four-wheel steering, and a claimed range of about 400 km on a single battery charge. The Ukrainian company ARMOLAB, in turn, showcased the modular UNIMOD UGV designed for air dropping, while specialized high-maneuverability robotic complexes for operating in underground pipelines have also been created in the country. In this lineup, the Protector with the combat module occupies the niche of a heavy armed ground robot capable of combining logistics and firepower.