The Use of Unmanned Ground Vehicles: A New Era in the Ukrainian War

The use of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) has seen a geometric increase since 2024, turning the war in Ukraine into a technological competition. Combat robots are instilling hope in Ukraine's fight, according to The Guardian.

The article notes that UGVs come in various shapes and sizes. One model moves on tracks and resembles an open-top milk truck, while another is equipped with wheels and antennas. A third type of drone is designed for transporting anti-tank mines.

"This is what modern warfare looks like. Armies in all countries will have to transition to automation," stated Lieutenant Viktor Pavlov of the 3rd Army Corps of Ukraine.

The Guardian emphasizes that the war has turned into a technological contest, where battles are fought not with expensive tanks but with cheap, disposable drones. This highlights the increasing reliance of modern conflicts on cutting-edge technology.

Journalists also pointed out that Russia's war against Ukraine has transformed Kyiv into a hub for the development of modern unmanned weaponry. A unique ecosystem has emerged here, where engineers create new products and frontline soldiers provide operational feedback. Following this, manufacturers ramp up supply, producing ground vehicles, systems to intercept Shahed drones, and advanced maritime drones.

According to information provided by The Guardian, ground robots currently make up 90% of the logistics for the Ukrainian army. In January, the Defense Forces conducted a record 7,000 operations using ground vehicles, underscoring their importance in contemporary combat conditions.

Robots are increasingly playing a key role in combat operations, replacing infantry. They are equipped with remotely controlled machine guns and grenade launchers. One such system, the DevDroid TW 12.7, held its position for 45 days. Last summer, a kamikaze robot carrying 200 kg of explosives traveled 20 kilometers to a school building where Russian soldiers were located and detonated.

"This is not Star Wars, filled with lasers. The frontline looks more like The Terminator. A ground robot arrives at your position, and you can do nothing about it," commented a drone operator from the 25th Airborne Brigade, using the pseudonym Bambi.

Additionally, ground drones perform crucial functions such as delivering food, ammunition, and materials. They can evacuate up to three wounded soldiers from the frontline. Typically, a robot can operate for eight hours, making them less noticeable than armored vehicles, which are easily detected and destroyed by Russian forces.

Since December 2025, robots have begun delivering food to Ukrainian soldiers stationed around Pokrovsk. "One approached the entrance to our bunker. I felt like a caveman examining alien technology," shared a military personnel with the call sign Bambi.

He also noted that "it looked futuristic," and two years ago, he could not have imagined such a scenario. The Guardian highlights that unmanned ground vehicles are performing vital engineering tasks. The latest models can detect and neutralize mines, install barbed wire, and extract damaged and burned vehicles.

Pavlov revealed that his company loses about three robots a day due to Russian air attacks, with a loss rate of 25%. "This is a small price to pay considering that we are saving the lives of our infantrymen," he remarked.

Last summer, for the first time in history, Russian soldiers even surrendered to an armed ground robot after their position had been subjected to intense shelling from Ukraine. The 3rd Army Corps stated that they managed to deploy robots to reclaim territory as part of a well-planned offensive operation.

The article also mentions that Russian forces are employing ground systems, including an electric vehicle called Courier, which can deliver 250 kg of cargo to troops on the frontline and conduct electronic warfare.

According to Pavlov, Ukraine currently holds an advantage in the field of ground robotics technology. "We have more systems than Russia. The priority is their mass deployment," he concluded.