The crossbow-DM system represents a mobile, robotically assisted platform designed to be operated by a human controller who programmatically guides its detection and engagement routines. Mounted on an armored vehicle, the module keeps crew members safe inside the hull while providing a persistent fusion of sensing and firepower. The sensor suite includes a television-based camera capable of identifying targets at substantial distances and a thermal imaging system that highlights equipment and personnel in low visibility. When a target is acquired, the system maintains visual contact and awaits a command to engage, with a laser rangefinder enhancing precision for each engagement.
The primary weapon on the crossbow-DM is a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, a Kovrov Degtyarevtsy design noted for replacing older heavy arms. This gun entered service in the early 2000s and has served as an anti-aircraft weapon on modern armored platforms. Its large caliber enables penetration of armor typical of armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. In challenging terrains, lighter, portable heavy weapons have proven difficult to move, underscoring the value of a system that can be relocated across a battlefield while carrying additional ammunition. The crossbow-DM module mirrors this adaptability, delivering mobile firepower that can be redeployed to different positions as needed.
Russian forces have acquired substantial quantities of Arbalet-DM robotic machine gun systems, with special operation units and regular army formations deploying similar modules. A regional task group has used these systems to clear liberated urban areas, illustrating their usefulness in close-quarters operations where traditional tanks may be less effective. The practical benefits are visible in scenarios that demand rapid, controlled responses in confined spaces while minimizing exposure for human crews.
Experts describe this approach as an efficient method for urban clearance, noting that armored platforms equipped with target-detection and engagement capabilities can perform critical tasks without relying on heavy armor in every scenario. The combination of advanced sensors and robotic firepower enables rapid responses to threats, including concealed facilities, while keeping crews safely out of harm’s way. This balance supports a more agile and responsive tactical posture in complex urban environments.
Within the crossbow-DM family, a 7.62 mm variant offers similar accuracy with a higher rate of fire and a larger ammunition supply. New versions are being explored that combine both calibers, 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm, aiming to preserve air defense qualities while maintaining effectiveness against ground targets under varying lighting and weather conditions. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to expand versatility without compromising core strengths such as mobility and precision.
Robotic military equipment has gained traction among modern forces and is routinely employed in active operations. Beyond the well-known crossbow-DM, other robotic infantry systems are used for remotely controlled ground and air targets, with autonomous guidance capabilities. This evolving landscape mirrors a broader shift toward sensor-driven combat platforms that complement human decision-making in dynamic, on-the-move situations. The trend emphasizes enhanced situational awareness, safer crew deployment, and the capacity to respond quickly to evolving threats on diverse battlefields.