Ukraine’s military is set to deploy robotic dog units to the frontline in a bid to protect soldiers and enhance operational efficiency, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has confirmed.
In a bold move to increase technological capabilities on the battlefield, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry revealed plans to send quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) equipped with mounted guns into combat. These robotic units are designed to take on various roles, from offensive and defensive operations to logistics support, casualty evacuation, and even mine clearance.
“We are ramping up production of these systems and will integrate full-fledged robotic units into combat brigades on the frontline,” Umerov said. “Our goal is to use innovative technology to save the lives of our soldiers.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to automate frontline operations, aiming to reduce the human risk of combat while improving overall effectiveness. The UGVs, typically controlled remotely via camera feeds, are expected to become more autonomous in future iterations, allowing them to perform tasks with even greater precision.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has already begun scaling up the use of these unmanned systems following successful tests conducted since summer 2024. Umerov explained that these tests, carried out in cooperation with military personnel, have demonstrated the vehicles’ capability to handle a range of missions, including offensive and defensive operations, logistics support, and evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
“Unmanned ground systems have shown their potential to carry out essential tasks, such as clearing mines and demilitarising dangerous areas,” he added. “Our aim is to equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a technological advantage over the enemy, enabling us to create a modern army where innovative technologies play a crucial role in saving lives.”
Since the beginning of the war with Russia, drone and uncrewed vehicle technology has been a vital asset for Ukraine. Ukrainian units, such as the Unmanned Strike Aviation Brigade (USAB) and the enigmatic Group 13, have successfully deployed uncrewed systems in air and sea operations, further demonstrating the growing role of autonomous technologies in modern warfare.
