The Ukrainian military has begun integrating full-fledged robotic units into its frontline brigades, enhancing critical operations in the fight against Russian forces.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the development on social media earlier this week, sharing an image of a homegrown unmanned vehicle with a gun mounted on top.
“Ukraine is increasing the production of these systems and deploying full-fledged robotic units as part of the combat brigades of the armed forces on the frontline,” he wrote.
Umerov added that the ongoing deployment marks the successful completion of a series of rigorous trials that began in the summer of 2024.
Once fully integrated, these robotic units will support a wide range of missions, including offensive and defensive operations, logistical support, and the evacuation of wounded personnel.
Preserving Soldiers’ Lives
The deployment of full-fledged robotic units is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to expand the use of unmanned ground systems, giving them a tactical edge on the battlefield.
It is also meant to preserve the lives of soldiers stationed at the most critical areas on the front.
Unmanned ground vehicles are designed to handle hazardous missions, significantly reducing soldiers’ exposure to danger and preserving their safety.
One example is the four-wheel FoxTac unmanned evacuation and logistics vehicle, capable of transporting military equipment and injured personnel up to 700 meters (2,297 feet) from the battlefield.
“We continue to transform the Armed Forces of Ukraine into a modern army that has a technological advantage over the enemy,” Umerov noted. “Ukrainian manufacturers have tailored their products to modern warfare conditions and the needs of combat units.”
‘Army of Robots’
In 2023, the Ukrainian government unveiled an ambitious plan to build an “Army of Robots,” aiming to deploy tens of thousands of robotic vehicles to counter Russian forces.
The country seeks to leverage its defense industry’s expertise in developing sophisticated unmanned platforms as a key strategy to win the war.
To support this initiative, Ukraine recently tested about 100 domestically-built unmanned ground vehicles in various environments.
Additionally, it authorized the military use of several robotic platforms, including the logistics robot “Zmiy” and robotic mini-tank “Lyut.”
