Ukraine’s Armed Forces carried out more than 9,000 missions using ground-based robotic systems in March alone, highlighting the rapid expansion of unmanned technologies on the battlefield, the Ministry of Defense reported on April 7.
The figure marks a sharp increase compared to previous months. In November 2025, such systems were used in roughly 2,900 operations, while in January 2026, the number exceeded 7,000.
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According to the Ministry of Defense, the growing reliance on unmanned ground systems reflects a broader effort to reduce risks for personnel by deploying machines in the most dangerous areas of the front line. Data from the DELTA battlefield management system indicates that robots are increasingly replacing soldiers in high-threat environments.
Since the beginning of 2026, ground robotic systems have already completed approximately 32,500 missions.
Infograph showing the increase in the usage of UGVs in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Source: UNITED24 Media/Oleksandr Manukians)
These platforms are primarily used for logistical and support roles, including delivering ammunition, transporting supplies, and evacuating wounded personnel from combat zones.
The number of military units deploying robotic systems has also risen significantly. In March, 167 units used ground robots, compared to just 67 units in November 2025.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has identified the transition of frontline logistics to robotic platforms as a key priority, aiming to minimize casualties while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Among the top-performing units in March—ranked by mission output involving robotic systems—were the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, the 1st Separate Medical Battalion, the unmanned systems company of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, the 95th Separate Air Assault Polissya Brigade, and the 3rd Operational Brigade named after Colonel Petro Bolbochan, also known as “Spartan.”
Earlier, Andrii Biletsky, commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, stated that ground robotic systems could replace up to one-third of Ukrainian infantry on the line of contact.
Biletsky has previously described ground robotic systems as a coming battlefield “revolution,” noting that dense drone surveillance and deeply contested logistics have made frontline resupply and movement exceptionally difficult.
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