Ukraine Introduces Murena Ammunition Feed System

A Ukrainian developer has introduced new ammunition feed systems for assault machine gunners and robotic platforms. These are available for both light and heavy machine guns, as well as grenade launchers.

The developer shared the system’s details with a Militarnyi correspondent during the Brave1 event.

Murena is designed to provide continuous belt-fed ammunition supply to all types of machine guns and launchers used by Ukrainian forces. Each caliber and weapon type has its own modification.

The system is available in two configurations: a static configuration with a flexible sleeve connecting the weapon to an ammo container, and a mobile version that functions as a wearable backpack for assault operations.

Demonstration footage showcased prototypes for the PKM, M240, M2 Browning, and even the Mk19 automatic grenade launcher.

Developer Taras Holota mentioned that one of the main engineering challenges was achieving consistent belt curvature, which directly affects feed reliability and risk of jamming. Each belt type has its own limitations.

“The hardest part was adapting the system to .50 BMG and 12.7 mm belts. But we achieved the desired result,” he noted.

The team is now working to integrate Murena into weapon stations mounted on robotic ground systems and armored vehicles.

“Each turret has its own bending angles and speeds. The trickiest part is calculating the center of mass. There are dozens of UGV platforms out there now, so we need to ensure the system doesn’t compromise their stability or mobility,” Holota shared.

The first integrations have been successful — the feed system now works with DevDroid turrets and Moroz robotic platforms. Work is underway to add compatibility with ShaBlya turrets.

As for codification by the Ministry of Defence, Holota stated that he is not pursuing it at this stage.

“We set our price back in 2022, when the first systems went to the defenders of Bakhmut, and it hasn’t changed since. If we codify it, the price would rise by 30–40% due to bureaucracy. I’d rather keep it low — units have too many needs, and that extra cost would really affect them,” he said.