Photo. Ukraine Defense Forces
The ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has confronted the Ukrainian Defense Forces with unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenges. One of the most critical among them is the need for efficient, safe, and fast logistics under constant threat of shelling, landmines, kamikaze drones, and the enemy’s artillery superiority. In these conditions, traditional methods of resupply, casualty evacuation, and technical support have proven extremely vulnerable. The answer to these challenges has come in the form of active technological innovation — in particular, the deployment of ground robotic systems that are dramatically changing the approach to rear support on the contact line.
What just a few years ago looked like a futuristic concept from arms expos or academic conferences is now undergoing large-scale combat testing on Ukraine’s battlefields. Ukrainian companies, startups, and volunteer engineering initiatives are developing mobile unmanned platforms capable of delivering ammunition, water, and medical supplies, evacuating the wounded, or transporting gear across the most dangerous frontline sectors. These machines often operate autonomously or via remote control, replacing human crews who would otherwise be exposed to lethal risks.
At the same time, robotic systems are more than just a tool for reducing casualties. They allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to operate faster, more flexibly, and more efficiently, freeing up personnel for missions where human presence is critical. Logistics is the lifeline of any army, and in the context of a grueling, high-intensity war, its automation is becoming a matter of strategic importance. Already, various types of robotic platforms are being deployed in Ukraine — from lightweight wheeled drones to heavy tracked vehicles capable of navigating rough terrain, transporting hundreds of kilograms of supplies, and operating under high risk of enemy fire.
Among the many innovations developed by Ukrainian engineers, the following types of logistics and engineering ground robotic systems stand out:
Zmiy
Photo. Ukraine Defense Forces
Zmiy is an innovative Ukrainian robotic sapper designed to neutralize even the most dangerous types of mines — from anti-personnel „butterfly” mines (PFM‑1), PMN‑2, OZM‑72 to heavy anti-tank mines such as the TM‑62. Despite its powerful capabilities, the system remains cost-effective and accessible, making large-scale demining more realistic than ever before. It is the first certified remotely operated device for humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
Zmiy is designed to safely clear minefields and create safe passageways for infantry and vehicles. It is compact, lightweight, and highly maneuverable — purpose-built to access hard-to-reach frontline areas. The platform is easily transported via trailer and is mobile enough to operate in dense vegetation, where it performs like a ”mine-clearing lawnmower”, triggering hidden explosive devices under foliage.
Zmiy is battle-proven to withstand detonations of two anti-tank mines without losing functionality — a fact confirmed by operational footage.
Its unique modular construction allows damaged components (e.g., the flail drum or pulley) to be replaced in under 30 minutes, quickly restoring the platform to operational readiness.
Widely deployed across Ukraine, Zmiy has earned a reputation for reliability and demonstrates higher mine detonation success rates than traditional demining methods.
Its proven field performance has drawn the attention of leading international demining organizations, including HALO Trust, which has already integrated Zmiy into its operational toolkit.
Technical Specifications
–Weight: approx. 950 kg
–Working width: approx. 1.35 m
–Movement speed: approx. 8 km/h
–Control range: up to 2.9 km
–Deployment time: up to 15 minutes
–Clearing performance: up to 2.5 hectares/hour
– Or approx. 1–2.5 hectares/day depending on terrain and conditions
–UAV integration: works with drones for terrain scanning and precise navigation
– Cost: from $14,500 to $20,000 (mass production could reduce cost even further).
UGV TerMIT
Photo. Tencore
UGV „TerMIT” is a product of the Ukrainian manufacturer Tencore LLC, which specializes in the production of unmanned ground vehicle systems (UGVs) used in combat zones. These systems perform a wide range of tasks—from logistics to direct combat operations. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be quickly adapted to specific missions such as logistics, mine laying, fire support, medical evacuation, and casualty extraction. Modules can be installed and connected quickly using a Plug & Play approach.
The main mission of the TerMIT UGV is to preserve the lives and health of military personnel through robotic solutions that take on the most dangerous tasks on the battlefield.
Key Features:
- Modular design – adaptable to any tactical mission- Maximum speed – up to 10 km/h- Control range – over 15 km- Operational range – up to 20 km- Payload capacity – up to 300 kg- Compact size – suitable for transport in an armored vehicle or pickup truck
The primary advantage of the TerMIT UGV is its modularity, which allows for quick maintenance and reconfiguration according to tactical requirements.
Combat Modules Available:
–Mine-laying module – supports up to 2 mine-laying units with a total capacity of up to 20 anti-tank mines- Gyro-stabilized turret for MK19 grenade launcher– Gyro-stabilized turret for Browning M2 machine gun– Turrets compatible with Soviet small arms
Optional Modules:
- Additional battery modules (extend range up to 40 km)- Satellite communication module- Electronic warfare (EW) module- Additional armor protection (up to ballistic protection level 4)- Integration with AI systems to enhance operational capabilities
Ratel
Photo. Ukraine Defense Forces
The Ratel H ground robotic system is capable of transporting two wounded soldiers simultaneously, significantly increasing the efficiency of medical evacuation from dangerous areas on the battlefield. With a high payload capacity (up to 400 kg) and a modular platform, the Ratel H can be equipped with special stretchers or a medical module that ensures stable and safe transportation of the injured to a medical aid point.
This solution reduces the risks for medical personnel who would otherwise have to evacuate the wounded themselves and considerably speeds up the evacuation process.
Technical characteristics
-Dimensions – 2480x1300x740mm
-Weight of the UGV – 900kg
-Maximum payload – 400kg
-Ground clearance – 140mm
-Run distance – up to 20 km
-Maximum speed – 8 km/h
– Maximum mission range:
-3 km range – UAV signal relay
-6 km with GCS and signal repeater
-unlimited via satellite communication
-Continuous operation (movement) time – not less than 4 h
-Operating temperature range – from -10 to 40 °C
-Noise level during movement at maximum speed – not more than 85 dB
-Course camera type wide-angle analog and digital cameras
The platform control system includes a remote control, a ground control station, a video monitor, and satellite communications.
BRO-1409
Photo. BRO
The BRO-1409 logistic unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) (NATO Stock Number: 2360-61-018-0094) is designed to perform logistics, evacuation, engineering, and special transport missions for moving various types of cargo in combat conditions, including under constant shelling. It is also suitable for mission execution in training grounds and proving areas.
Thanks to its unique transmission design, the BRO-1409 UGV can freely shift along three axes (over 90°), enabling it to follow terrain contours, confidently overcome natural and man-made obstacles, and move undetected across areas under enemy control. Its original all-metal chassis makes it highly resistant to mine and artillery threats as well as small arms fire. Additionally, the chassis serves as extra protection for the vehicle’s electronic control unit.
Key Operational Capabilities of BRO-1409 on the Front Line
–Delivery of food, drinking water, and ammunition to hard-to-reach positions, observation posts, and fortifications (payload capacity over 400 kg)
–Evacuation of wounded or fallen soldiers from the forward edge of the battlefield (up to two people at once)
–Use as a kamikaze drone, when required, to destroy fortified enemy positions, bridges, or heavily armored vehicles
-With minimal modifications, it can also be used as a demining vehicle for breaching enemy minefields or for remote mine laying
The developed prototype has been approved for operation and codified in accordance with the Procedure for Implementing the Experimental Defense Procurement Project.
UGV ARDAL 920
Photo. ARDAL
EVACUATION & LOGISTICS UGV ARDAL 920 is a tracked ground drone with a robust frame designed to perform both evacuation missions and logistical support. Thanks to its powerful engines, low center of gravity, and excellent off-road capability, the platform can carry loads nearly twice its own weight.
Its compact size and quiet operation make it ideal for critical evacuation tasks, even in contested environments. With a top speed of 14 km/h and a range of up to 30 km per battery charge, it is effective for deep-area operations where neither personnel nor armored vehicles can operate. The platform’s dimensions — 1620 × 1070 × 1380 mm (63.8 × 42.1 × 54.3 inches) and maneuverability — make it a difficult target for UAVs equipped with dropping munitions or payloads, as bigger platforms are easier targets for strikes.
ARDAL 920 is built for sustained use in field conditions, featuring extended operational life and easy maintenance directly at operation sites. For evacuation purposes ARDAL can be equiped with an additional trailer designed for casualty evacuation. The trailer features a suspension system that significantly improves ride quality across rough terrain. This makes it much more suitable for transporting wounded personnel.
The suspension absorbs shocks and vibrations, reducing further trauma and increasing the chances of safely delivering injured soldiers without worsening their condition. to transport additional cargo or evacuate up to three wounded personnel.
As of August 2025, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have conducted over 12 successful evacuation missions from combat zones.
TOR
Photo. Ukraine Defense Forces
TOR 800 and TOR 1000 are unique wheeled tactical ground drones (medium and heavy class) designed to perform critical logistics and evacuation missions in the most dangerous frontline environments — the so-called „kill zones.”
Their purpose is simple yet vital: deliver supplies, rescue the wounded, and save soldiers« lives without risking personnel or expensive manned vehicles.
Key Features
–Payload capacity: up to 400 kg (TOR 800) and 800 kg (TOR 1000)
–Evacuation: wounded or fallen soldiers, and recovery of other drones weighing up to 1000 kg
–Operational range: up to 20 km (TOR 800) and 25 km (TOR 1000)
–Weight: TOR 800 — 700 kg (gross 1100 kg); TOR 1000 — 1300 kg (gross 2100 kg)
–Unique wheels (developed by Kotygoroshko):
- non-inflatable, resistant to sharp debris and mine blasts (up to 500 g TNT)
-enable continued operation even after tire damage
–Combat resilience: documented cases where TOR 800 survived direct FPV kamikaze drone strikes and continued its mission without repair
TOR perform tasks where humans cannot, saving the lives of Ukrainian defenders.
Teslia UGV
Photo. Ukraine
The ”Teslia” UGV was developed in response to a specific request from servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was designed to meet strict requirements for size and weight to allow transport in the bed of a pickup truck (such as the L200 or Navara), manual loading and unloading by four people, the ability to carry up to 200 kg of payload, and quick-swap batteries to enhance operational mobility.
Main Tactical and Technical Specifications of the Teslia UGV
–Transport dimensions (L×W×H): 1300 × 980 × 900 mm
–Operational dimensions (L×W×H): 1300 × 980 × 1650 mm
–Height to upper base of platform: 520 mm
–Ground clearance: 300 mm
–UGV weight (without battery): 165 kg
–Payload capacity: 180 kg
–Quick-swap small battery:
–Capacity: 130 Ah
–Weight: 22 kg
–Range on a full charge with full load: 18 km
-Quick-swap large battery:
– Capacity: 255 Ah
–Weight: 32 kg
–Range on a full charge with full load: 40 km
–Maximum speed: 10 km/h
Implemented Features
–Integrated flight controller and peripheral devices (e.g., router, Raspberry Pi, etc.),\
making the UGV „plug-and-play” and ready for any communication system out of the box — Starlink, LTE, Silvus, etc.
–Custom wheel manufacturing to improve mobility and platform reliability
–Integrated dump system for autonomous unloading at the delivery point;
As of now, the Teslia UGV is in active use by the following units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:
-3rd Separate Assault Brigade
-80th Separate Air Assault Galicia Brigade
-141st Separate Mechanized Brigade
-32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade
-13th Operational Brigade „Khartia”
-93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade „Kholodny Yar”
Ground robotic systems are no longer a futuristic innovation — they have become a real layer of protection on the front lines. These platforms — combat, kamikaze, logistics, medical evacuation, and demining — significantly reduce personnel losses, carry out high-risk missions remotely, and enhance the overall flexibility and efficiency of logistics and rear support. Rear automation is a strategic challenge that Ukrainian developers are already tackling head-on.
In this context, the launch of the Allies of Steel fundraising initiative stands out as especially significant. Implemented by the UNITED24 platform in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, this campaign aims to raise funds for ground robots that carry out critical logistical, evacuation, and engineering tasks — replacing dangerous human labor with safe robotic operations. Initiatives like this not only strengthen Ukraine’s defense but also reinforce international solidarity.