As in Russia (-> Russia is working on ground drones again), Ukraine is also currently increasing its efforts to develop military ground robots. In contrast to Russia, where at least the publicly perceptible development appears to be primarily based on the country’s own initiative, Ukrainian development is being carried out with the full support of the state and the military.
The efforts are coordinated by the “Brave1-Cluster”, a coordination platform for new military technologies created by the Ukrainian government. The platform promotes cooperation and offers organizational, informational and financial support for defence technology projects in Ukraine (-> current news from the war in Ukraine).
Syrsky visited UGV tests
At the beginning of July, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Stanislavovych Syrsky visited tests of unmanned systems and ground robotics complexes at a military training area.
Syrsky emphasized that the rapid practical introduction of innovative unmanned ground and air combat robotic platforms is a top priority for him. The aim is to shorten the path of a technical invention from scientists in the laboratory to the production workshop and on to the combat unit as much as possible. System solutions for the effective use of a wide range of robot platforms are being prepared. To this end, experimental tests of the use of unmanned ground and air vehicles under real combat conditions are underway in Ukraine at one of the training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Remote-controlled “Sabre” turret
One focus of development is definitely the integration of the remote-controlled turret Shablia (Шабля/”Sabre”) from the manufacturer Roboneers into Ukrainian UGVs. Initial trials of the system can be traced back to 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=7q-YVmR-rwzr9GL5&v=UYyS5eE6Ge0&feature=youtu.be Development has accelerated considerably since February 2022 in the wake of the Russian attack on Ukraine. The Shablia М2 version is definitely in series production and is in front-line use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYE5w3ETtDM The turret, which costs around 15,000 to 20,000 euros, can be fitted with 7.62 millimetre and 12.7 millimetre calibre machine guns or 40 millimetre grenade launchers. Interestingly, Shablia is controlled using the Valve Steam Deck game console. Its open software architecture makes it possible to install alternative operating systems and thus compatible software. Installation and front tests with the UGV platforms Ironclad (video), Lynx (video) and D-21-11 (video) have taken place.
It must be said, however, that Shablia is not stabilized. The system was originally developed to be mounted on tripods and controlled remotely from a nearby shelter. Shablia can now change position on the aforementioned UGV platforms, and it is even possible to shoot on the move. It is not clear whether higher-value functions such as automatic lead and aiming sequence are possible. The development is similar to that in Russia, where the Kurier platform also only has remote-controlled turrets without higher automatic functions.
THeMIS from Milrem Robotics
The THeMIS platform from Estonian company Milrem Robotics has been in combat use for some time. The leading UGV developer in Europe has already exported its multi-purpose UGV to 16 countries. These include Estonia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, the USA and Ukraine. There, the UGV is used to rescue the wounded. Initial findings from the deployment show that ballistic protection is required for medical evacuation vehicles, electronic countermeasures are to be installed to defend against drones and a night vision system is desired. Last May, a THeMIS UGV was captured relatively intact by Russian troops.
Overview of Ukrainian UGV platforms (video)
Combat UGV, fight and defend mission:
- D-21-11: 4-wheeled, combat platform with automatic turret
- Ironclad: 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, articulated steering
- Lyut: 4-wheeled, produced by the Ukrainian startup Dons. The robot is armed with a combat module with a 7.62 millimeter machine gun and equipped with an optical module for targeted shooting and an overview camera.
- Rys Pro Lynx: multi-purpose UGV, weapon carrier, logistics
- Moroz: 4-wheeled, weapon carrier
- Murakha: Chain UGV, weapon carrier, logistics
Kamikaze UGV, mission: destruction of enemy armored vehicles
- ARK-1: 4-wheeled, all-wheel drive, independent suspension, maximum 45 km/h, 15 kilogram payload
- Mangust: 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, articulated suspension
- Ratel S: Mini carrier, 4-wheeled (video)
- Smileyk: 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, articulated suspension
Logistics UGV, mission: delivery of ammunition, evacuation of the wounded
- Volya-E (Воля-Е): Tracked UGV, logistics and casualty recovery, maximum payload of 300 kilograms, maximum range of 12 kilometers when loaded with 100 kilograms
- Ratel H: 6×6 UGV, logistics and casualty recovery (video)
- Ratel M: 4-wheeled, logistics and casualty recovery (video)
- Termit: Tracked UGV, logistics and casualty recovery, 300 kilogram payload
- KNLR-E: radio-controlled robotic evacuation complex from Drone Rig, equipped with a night vision system
- Sirko-S1: 4-wheeled, all-wheel drive, logistics, casualty recovery and reconnaissance, maximum payload of 200 kilograms
- Mangust-1: Chain UGV, logistics
- Vepr: chain UGV, logistics, casualty recovery, minelayer
