Ukraine ramps up deployment of unmanned ground vehicles on battlefield
Photo: unmanned ground vehicles in Ukraine (Getty Images)
The number of missions using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Ukraine has more than doubled over the past six months. However, the first centralized deliveries of the systems purchased by the government are expected only at the end of the summer, according to Viktor Pavlov, founder of the UGV School and an officer of the 3rd Assault Brigade's UGV Battalion.
Why UGV deliveries were delayed
Government contracts for purchasing unmanned ground vehicles were signed only in April after being delayed by a legal issue related to value-added tax (VAT).
Starting January 1, 2026, Ukraine reinstated VAT on electric vehicles, a category that also includes UGVs. As a result, the cost of unmanned ground vehicles for the military increased by 20% compared with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are purchased tax-free.
Although the VAT issue was eventually resolved, the delay pushed back procurement timelines. Since manufacturers need time to purchase components and produce the systems, the first deliveries are not expected before the end of the summer.
How the shortage is being addressed
While the military waits for centralized deliveries, units continue purchasing UGVs independently with support from volunteer foundations.
Despite the delays in government contracts, the use of UGVs on the battlefield has increased rapidly:
- about 7,000 missions were carried out in January;
- by June, that figure had risen to 16,000 missions.
According to Pavlov, the intensity of UGV use has more than doubled over the past six months, while the number of military units operating the systems continues to grow.
Earlier, NAUDI said that despite the rapid development of robotics, armored vehicles continue to play a key role on the battlefield. UGVs still face significant technical limitations, while armored vehicles remain the only reliable protection for troops against FPV drones and landmines.
