The Ukrainian government has announced an ambitious plan to procure “tens of thousands” of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) next year, aimed at bolstering military operations and minimizing risks to frontline troops amid ongoing hostilities with Russian forces. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for innovation, emphasized to Reuters that these versatile “buggy-like” vehicles would play a critical role in operations, particularly in areas heavily affected by enemy shelling and drone activity.
Fedorov revealed that the robotic platforms would be utilized for a variety of essential tasks, which include delivering ammunition and supplies to soldiers, carrying out autonomous combat missions, and evacuating wounded personnel from frontline positions. While he did not detail the specific types of UGVs that would be purchased, he confirmed that the procurement process has already commenced. “This year, we purchased several thousand ground platforms, and next year, I believe, we need tens of thousands,” he stated, signaling a shift towards increasing automation within Ukraine’s military strategy.
Additionally, Ukraine has initiated mass production of robotic systems, with the organization Brave1 testing over 50 different ground vehicles. In the coming months, hundreds of these UGVs are expected to be acquired through the UNITED24 initiative and deployed on the battlefield, contributing to efforts to protect Ukrainian defenders and enhance operational efficiency.
As the conflict evolves, both Ukraine and Russia have been implementing advanced military tactics to gain a strategic edge. Despite some recent gains by Russian forces, the overall outcome of the ongoing conflict remains uncertain. Ukraine has been increasingly reliant on long-range attack drones to penetrate deep into enemy territory, while Russia utilizes its extensive arsenal and troop capabilities.
In line with these developments, Ukraine announced plans in May to accelerate the deployment of military robotic platforms as a means to further mitigate risks to human lives. Since then, UGVs have become prominently visible along the frontlines and in regions such as Kursk, where Ukrainian troops successfully executed a surprise incursion in August. In response to the growing utilization of these technologies, Ukraine has also established training centers to prepare its military personnel for the effective operation of these autonomous platforms, further integrating them into its strategic operations as it seeks to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities on the battlefield.
