The Hedgehog is a newly developed ground drone from the design studio Spektr Engineering. Named for its compact, protective silhouette, the machine is designed to neutralize armored targets while remaining affordable to procure and operate.
According to Bratenkov, the project delivers a ground-based drone capable of carrying a payload of up to 5 kilograms. The system is designed to operate up to five kilometers from its launch point, and the platform keeps moving even if it lands inverted or is subjected to jolts and twists. The team studied international uses of similar drones and concluded that a simple, economical solution would be most effective. The intent is to offer Hedgehog as a versatile platform for defeating armored vehicles. Prospects include increasing the payload capacity to 10 kilograms as the program matures, Bratenkov notes.
Hedgehog is configured to deliver explosives to enemy fortifications—whether in trenches or within structures. A notable capability is approaching tanks or other armored units quietly and delivering a bottom-up detonation, which typically minimizes the opponent’s protective response.
In the design phase, the developers opted for a wheeled drive rather than tracks. The choice aims to reduce complexity and cost while preserving mobility on varied terrains.
“The tracked version is technically more expensive and offers little advantage on smaller forms; it would demand bulky extensions that collect dirt and debris on the battlefield,” Bratenkov explains. “Wheels provide better geometric mobility and lower total cost, making the platform more survivable and economical in field conditions.”
Independent assessments highlight Hedgehog as a compact, cost-conscious solution built to support armored-vehicle defeat tasks from a distance, while maintaining practical performance under real-world conditions. The emphasis remains on creating an accessible system that can be produced and deployed rapidly, with scalability built into the design as battlefield requirements evolve.