Expert explains how war will reshape Ukraine's unmanned ground vehicles
Photo: More than 50% of the components used in Ukrainian UGVs are domestically produced (UGV Robotics press service)
It is entirely possible that, in the near future, large ground-based robotic systems will transport smaller combat UGVs to the battlefield. Their autonomy could also be significantly enhanced, states Petro Leontiev, Director of UGV Robotics, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
In 2023-2024, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) evolved rapidly. Amid swift changes on the battlefield, manufacturers often struggled to adapt their systems to the military's emerging needs.
According to Petro Leontiev, the pace of this "technological race" slowed somewhat toward the end of last year. Eventually, it became clear what characteristics an effective UGV should possess.
The main areas of improvement involve extending operational range and enhancing the quality of camera imagery.
At present, small UGVs dominate the battlefield, although the number of larger, heavier ground robotic systems capable of transporting substantial payloads has also increased.
"Currently, combat unmanned ground vehicles have so-called staging points where the system is transported, and a designated person replaces the battery, recharges the battery pack, and performs basic maintenance. These points are located 10–15 kilometers from the front line, which is currently close enough," explained the Director of UGV Robotics.
Leontiev predicts that larger UGVs will soon begin transporting smaller combat systems directly to the battlefield. This, he says, will help preserve the operational range of the smaller platforms.
Another key area is increasing autonomy. For example, in the future, logistics UGVs could carry out supply delivery missions entirely autonomously.
You can also read our feature on how a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer created a unique robotics unit.
