Russia’s Depesha-3 robotic platform has demonstrated high efficiency during nighttime logistics operations, according to Rostec. Developed by High-Precision Systems, a holding company within the state corporation, the unmanned vehicle transports supplies without requiring soldiers to accompany the cargo, reducing the risks to military personnel.

The Depesha-3’s main advantage is its ability to remain almost undetectable in darkness. Its low silhouette, quiet operation and camouflage netting help the robot blend into its surroundings. The vehicle moves without headlights or other illumination, while operators control it remotely from a distance.

Night missions, however, demand exceptional precision from those behind the controls. The onboard camera produces black-and-white footage, making terrain features considerably harder to distinguish than in daylight. Operators must therefore familiarize themselves with the entire route beforehand, memorizing every rut, pothole and other obstacle they might encounter. Navigation relies on matching the camera feed against the previously studied path, with steady movement and careful maneuvering taking priority over rapid reactions.

Rostec compared the process to walking a tightrope rather than competing in a race, emphasizing that precision matters more than speed. The corporation also stressed the dangers soldiers face when carrying supplies across exposed terrain at night, where they become particularly vulnerable targets. By taking over these delivery missions, the Depesha-3 reduces the need to send troops along hazardous routes and helps protect their lives.