Ukraine’s Tiny New Thermobaric Robot Tank Can Burn Enemies

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially accepted the KRAMPUS into military service—a domestically developed unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with reactive thermobaric weaponry. Small, stealthy, and highly destructive, KRAMPUS is designed for both offensive and defensive roles, making it one of Ukraine’s most formidable new robotic combat assets.

Weighing just 24.25 pounds (11 kg), KRAMPUS is highly portable and can be transported easily in a pickup truck, trailer, or even a minibus. Powered by electric motors and built with a tracked chassis, it operates quietly across a variety of terrains, including forests, swamps, sand, and steep inclines. Its resistance to electronic warfare ensures reliable performance in harsh environments—whether under snow, rain, or extreme heat. A robust battery system enables extended missions without the need for frequent resupply.

At the core of the KRAMPUS is the RPV-16—a rocket-propelled thermobaric weapon capable of neutralizing both enemy personnel and lightly armored vehicles. The warhead disperses a fine fuel mist that ignites within 0.2 seconds, producing a fireball of approximately 2,500°C (4,532°F). The resulting overpressure and thermal blast are especially devastating in enclosed or fortified spaces, effectively clearing bunkers, buildings, or trenches.

With a range of up to one kilometer, the RPV-16 delivers firepower equivalent to a 122mm artillery shell, giving KRAMPUS tactical relevance not only on the front lines but also in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and urban combat scenarios.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Ukraine’s defense sector has accelerated the development of robotic systems. The Ministry of Defense has approved more than 80 robotic platforms, the majority built domestically. For context, only 10 such systems had been cleared three years ago, with that number rising to over 50 the following year, and more than 20 already approved in 2025 alone.

Among these, KRAMPUS stands out as a compact yet potent battlefield tool—an emblem of Ukraine’s innovation and adaptability in modern warfare.