Ukraine's army to deploy new ground combat drone
Photo: Zmiy Droid 12.7 ground drone approved for use by the Defense Forces (DevDroid.і.Rovertech)
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially approved the use of the new Zmiy Droid 12.7 ground robotic complex in the Defense Forces. This is a Ukrainian development capable of performing combat and reconnaissance tasks in difficult frontline conditions, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Zmiy Droid 12.7 is designed to perform a wide range of military tasks in active combat zones, from reconnaissance to fire support for units.
The robotic ground platform is highly maneuverable—it can navigate difficult terrain, overcome sand, snow, and shallow water obstacles. This allows the complex to be used in various climatic and landscape conditions.
Approval for operation means that Zmiy Droid 12.7 meets the requirements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and can be integrated into combat units to perform real tasks on the front lines.
In recent years, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has been actively expanding its fleet of ground-based robotic systems, relying on domestic developments.
Such complexes make it possible to reduce personnel losses, increase the effectiveness of reconnaissance and fire support, and adapt to modern warfare technologies.
Last year, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine approved over 1,300 new models of domestically produced weapons and military equipment for use. This is approximately 25% more than the previous year.
Weapons production in Ukraine
Ukraine is steadily increasing its own weapons production. According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, 76% of the weapons needed for the front are purchased centrally from Ukrainian manufacturers.
At the same time, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko noted that over half of the weapons currently in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces are manufactured by Ukrainian companies.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Rocket Forces and Artillery Command of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Colonel Andrii Zhuravlov, announced that the military will soon receive new equipment and weapons, including modern unmanned systems and artillery.
Among the promising developments for the missile forces and artillery, he named the 155-mm Marta towed gun with a barrel length of 39 calibers, as well as a 105-mm towed artillery system — both installations are currently undergoing testing.
Back in July, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian arms production had increased 35-fold, and the state plans to continue increasing this figure.
