The Ministry of Defense is increasing the volume of procurement and improving the supply of unmanned ground complexes (UGC) for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This decision follows a series of trials conducted since the summer of 2024, with support from the Ministry of Defense's Main Department of Defense Innovations and in cooperation with the Ukrainian Armed Forces Innovation Department.
Unmanned ground complexes have already proven their effectiveness in performing a wide range of combat tasks, including logistics and engineering support, fire strikes against the enemy, and evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield.
"Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, many brigades have used robotic systems on the battlefield. Based on this experience, we identified key priorities and are now moving to the systemic implementation of these technologies. Our goal is to create fully functional robotic units that will strengthen brigades on the front lines, increase combat effectiveness, and most importantly, save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers," emphasized Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Defense is involving domestic developers of unmanned platforms and software, who are quickly adapting their solutions to the conditions of modern warfare. The findings from the trials formed the basis for the deployment of the first fully functional UGC units within combat brigades at the front.
"Robotic systems can radically change the approach to combat operations. They reduce risks for personnel, offer higher speed and load capacity, lower visibility, and can be equipped with combat, engineering modules, or electronic warfare (EW) tools. We have now determined the key requirements for managing such units, communications, and integration with other units within the brigades," said Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.
Following the trials, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Innovation Department, developed the organizational and staffing structure for robotic units, as well as identified types of weaponry and equipment to be tested in combat conditions.
Key advantages of unmanned ground complexes include: remote control, reducing the risk of casualties among personnel; smaller visibility and compactness, making them harder for the enemy to detect; high maneuverability and speed; increased load capacity and endurance in field conditions; and the ability to integrate combat modules, engineering tools, EW systems, and other equipment.
"In the context of the rapid transformation of combat operations, it is not enough just to have unmanned robotic complexes in service. For the organic use of such innovative technologies, systemic changes are needed in the application of combat units. That is why significant efforts are being focused on developing standards for forming unmanned ground complex units and the collective tactics of using different UGC types according to a unified strategy within the Ukrainian Armed Forces," emphasized Colonel Andriy Lebedenko, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
