Moscow: ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is introducing the Nerekhta-E tracked robotic system from the VA Degtyarev Plant to the global market.
The system is designed to enhance mission effectiveness and reduce personnel casualties among frontline and reconnaissance units during combined arms and counter-terrorism operations. It is suitable for use in both field and urban environments.
“The Nerekhta-E is the first Russian unmanned combat ground vehicle (UCGV) to successfully complete full-scale official tests. It was developed in line with the concept of modern warfare that prioritises reduced risks to operators, network-centric capabilities and the use of artificial intelligence,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT.
He added, “The system offers a number of unique advantages that have been proven in real-world conditions. Foremost among these are its modularity and versatility: depending on tactical requirements, the robot can be equipped with small arms, grenade launchers, or anti-tank weaponry, and can perform such missions as transporting wounded soldiers or cargo weighing up to 1000 kg. Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, the robot operates stealthily and silently; the use of an electric motor reduces its thermal signature, making it harder to detect via a thermal imaging channel. Enhanced autonomy has been achieved through implementing innovative technical solutions.”
The Nerekhta-E’s armament enables it to engage ground and aerial targets, including enemy armoured vehicles, personnel, fortifications, air defence assets, aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. The system is remotely controlled and, depending on the configuration, can conduct enemy reconnaissance and surveillance, destroy enemy armour, and provide fire support to units using its machine gun and grenade launcher. Additionally, the system is capable of guarding and defending facilities and deployment sites, as well as transporting the wounded and delivering ammunition, fuel, equipment and other supplies.
The robotic vehicle features an armoured hull, is built on a tracked chassis and is equipped with a hybrid powertrain that allows it to reach a top speed of 20 km/h. The continuous operation time while in motion is 4 hours, and the system can operate for up to 20 hours in surveillance mode.
ROSOBORONEXPORT offers the Nerekhta-E system with various payload modules.
A small-arms and grenade-launcher module is equipped with a 12.7mm Kord machine gun and a 30mm AG-30M automatic grenade launcher. The module incorporates a ballistic computer, an armament stabilisation system and an ammunition monitoring system. It also features daylight TV and thermal imaging channels for reconnaissance and targeting.
An anti-tank weapon module is equipped with four launching rails for 9M133 Kornet and 9M134 Bulat guided missiles. These missiles have been developed and are being manufactured by the High Precision Systems (part of Rostec). The module supports “tandem” firing mode, where two missiles are launched along a single beam at the same target. Two UCGVs equipped with these anti-tank modules and located 30 metres apart from each other along the front, can engage a single target or provide crossfire against two separate targets. The module also features a thermal imaging sight.
In addition, the Nerekhta-E can be supplied with a transport module (with a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg) and a reconnaissance/fire support module. The robot has a gross weight of 2,100 kg, or 2,700 kg when equipped with a transport module (including the payload).
“The promotion and supply of robotic systems to countries friendly to Russia is in line with the goals and objectives of military-technical cooperation assigned to ROSOBORONEXPORT by the President of the Russian Federation. These objectives include strengthening the country’s position in the global arms market and expanding both the product range and sales geography. At the same time, in its foreign trade activities, the special exporter prioritises the fulfilment of manufacturers’ obligations to the Russian Ministry of Defence,” added Alexander Mikheev.
