Russia Adapts Chinese Vehicles for Remote-Controlled Military Use in Ukraine
Russian forces are transforming Chinese-made Desertcross 1000-3 vehicles for military use, equipping them with remote-control systems and fiber-optic cable-laying capabilities. This adaptation aims to enhance logistics and communications in combat zones, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Troops from the 36th Guards Combined Arms Army are employing these modified vehicles, which are powered by a 72-horsepower gasoline engine and weigh 916 kilograms. The Desertcross 1000-3, manufactured by Russian company NPO Praktika, can install up to five kilometers of communications cable across varied terrain, supporting rapid and efficient communication networks.
Operators can control the vehicles remotely, reducing the risk of exposure to artillery, drones, or small-arms fire. This remote-control system uses commercially available components and certain parts produced via 3D-printing, demonstrating a cost-effective and innovative approach to battlefield technology. The vehicle's load capacity of 300 kilograms enables it to transport equipment such as towed mortars with limited ammunition, further enhancing its versatility in combat operations.
Russia's adaptation of the Desertcross 1000-3 vehicles showcases its efforts to leverage technology for tactical advantages in the conflict. By converting these vehicles into remotely operated platforms for logistics and communications, Russian forces aim to improve their capabilities in challenging terrains and high-risk environments.
