NGRNAnalysis by Consortium for Defence Information
The idea of replacing soldiers on the battlefield with a wide variety of unmanned ground systems (UGVs) has always been relevant. Yet the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has made this vision more urgent than ever. Ground drones are now needed across the full spectrum of battlefield tasks – direct destruction of enemy forces, front-line delivery of ammunition and supplies, evacuation of the wounded, remote mine-laying, or demolition of enemy infrastructure.
The growing dominance of reconnaissance and strike UAVs has opened another critical niche for UGVs: supplementing or even replacing classical armoured vehicles, which have become increasingly vulnerable due to their size. Today, the situation on the Ukrainian front is such that heavy equipment is often kept several kilometres from the line of contact to reduce the growing threat posed by enemy drones.
Ukraine’s defence industry had already begun important work on ground robotic platforms prior to February 2022, and this legacy has significantly aided the development of new solutions during the ongoing war.
The diversity of battlefield tasks has prompted the creation of a corresponding range of UGV types by Ukraine’s defence sector. These platforms are now being fielded by the Ukrainian Defence Forces. Two illustrative examples are the “Ravlyk” platform developed by UUT and the “Protector” system from Ukrainian Armor—both members of the National Association of Ukrainian Defence Industries (NAUDI).
UMP-2 “Ravlyk” by UUT: The “Robotic Soldier” of Modern War
First among these is the UMP-2 “Ravlyk” UGV, developed by UUT, a member of NAUDI. In late December 2024, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence officially codified the system and cleared it for operational deployment. “Ravlyk” builds upon the earlier RSBK-M “Myslyvets” drone, which was tested at the front during 2020-2021 in real combat.
Key features and specifications of the “Ravlyk” UGV include:
- Fully developed in Ukraine, facilitating scalable production and supply.
- Payload capacity: up to 200 kg directly on the platform—sufficient for various combat modules and logistics tasks; or up to 2 tonnes on a trailer.
- Speed and range: up to 10 km/h and up to 20 km cross-country per battery charge (electric power unit).
- High mobility: compact design enables trailer transport; electric motor and all-terrain wheels provide low-noise movement.
- All-terrain capability: six-wheel 6×6 chassis with 170 mm ground clearance; each of the six wheels is independently powered by a 6 kW motor, allowing traversal of sand, off-road terrain, shallow ditches, and small vertical obstacles.
The “Ravlyk” can be controlled via either a ground control station or a portable console, giving it operational flexibility in field conditions. It was trialled during combat in eastern Ukraine in 2020–2021, validating its resilience under low-intensity battlefield conditions.
The UMP-2 “Ravlyk” platform weighs 500 kg and can carry up to 200 kg, which could include anti-tank missiles (up to four launchers), combat modules, or engineering payloads.
Importantly, combat testing in 2020–2021 allowed developers to optimise the platform’s control systems for resilience against electronic warfare (EW), an increasingly vital feature given today’s constant clash between drones and EW systems.
Given its small size, high mobility, and robust control architecture, the “Ravlyk” is well-suited for frontline deployment. It may be seen as a symbolic embodiment of the “robotic soldier.”
Table 1: Key Specifications of UMP-2 “Ravlyk” UGV
| Parameter | Specification |
| Platform Weight | 500 kg |
| Speed and Range | Up to 10 km/h; up to 20 km (cross-country) |
| Chassis / Powertrain | 6×6; 6 kW electric drive |
| Payload Capacity | 200 kg on platform; up to 2 tonnes on trailer |
“Protector” by Ukrainian Armor: A Robotic Pickup for the Drone War
The first public unveiling of the “Protector” UGV developed by Ukrainian Armor occurred in September 2024 during the MSPO 2024 defence expo. This platform marks Ukraine’s first heavy UGV capable of both frontline strike missions and cargo delivery, depending on configuration.
The “Protector” may best be described as a “robotic pickup,” whose relevance is growing as Russian drones increasingly target Ukrainian logistics in forward areas.
Notable features include:
- Payload capacity of up to 700 kg (sufficient to evacuate three wounded soldiers lying down).
- Tactical operating radius: 10 km.
- Onboard day and infrared cameras for ISR tasks.
The system’s control range varies with terrain: up to 12 km in open terrain, and about 7 km in industrial or hilly environments—extendable via a UAV-based repeater.
Operational range is notably high: up to 400 km on paved roads and 200 km off-road, giving ample flexibility to manoeuvre and evade enemy drones. Maximum speed: 60 km/h on roads, 40 km/h cross-country.
The platform has a 4×4 chassis with run-flat tyres, powered by a 190 hp petrol engine, with an average fuel consumption of 12 litres per 100 km. It can cross water up to 0.5 metres deep and clear vertical obstacles up to 235 mm.
A distinct feature of “Protector” is its modular payload: it can serve as a remote launch platform for various UAV types. This is increasingly relevant as Russian forces specifically target UAV operator teams. Thus, “Protector” could serve as a valuable asymmetric and technological asset in Ukraine’s ongoing drone war.
Its technical architecture also allows the integration of various weapon modules, enabling roles ranging from infantry fire support to escorting traditional armoured vehicles into combat.
Table 2: Key Specifications of “Protector” UGV
| Parameter | Specification |
| Tactical Operating Radius | 10 km |
| Control Range | 12 km (open terrain); 7 km (urban/rough terrain) |
| Operational Range | 400 km (roads); 200 km (off-road) |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 12 L / 100 km |
| Max Speed | 60 km/h (road); 40 km/h (cross-country) |
| Deployment Time | 20 min (setup and takedown) |
| Weight | 3000 kg (full); 2230 kg (empty) |
| Payload Capacity | 700 kg |
Putting Warfare on Robotic Rails: Conclusions and Recommendations
The “Ravlyk” and “Protector” platforms showcase two complementary approaches to battlefield automation. The “Ravlyk” serves as a lightweight, modular robotic soldier, while “Protector” is a multi-role heavy platform offering logistical support and UAV integration capabilities in the drone-dominated battlespace.
Both systems draw directly on lessons learned by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the eastern theatre (2020–2021) and during the full-scale war since 2022.
Yet technological advances must be matched by organisational innovation. To unlock the full potential of domestic UGV development, Ukraine must implement structural measures, including:
- Strategic Planning
The Armed Forces’ armament system must incorporate long-term planning for UGV roles and requirements. This includes appointing a dedicated research institution to lead doctrinal development, coordinate industry R&D, and provide life-cycle scientific support.
- Experimental Units
The establishment of UGV-specific experimental units within the Ukrainian Armed Forces will allow for field testing, doctrinal refinement, and rapid feedback loops for development. These units can help formulate doctrine for robotic systems and test platforms under real combat conditions.
- Accelerated Integration
Reduce the time required to develop, test, and field UGVs. These systems must be integrated into combined-arms formations as a core component—not treated as isolated tools. Integration with conventional vehicles, UAVs, and strike systems is essential.
Implementing these measures will bring benefits across several dimensions. Ukraine’s defence industry will be able to more quickly develop and field effective UGVs. A robust manufacturing and support ecosystem—including spare parts production, repair, and field servicing—will emerge. And Ukrainian troops will gain practical experience to avoid tactical missteps.
The long-term result will be a steadily growing “robotisation” of the battlefield—enabling more effective destruction and deterrence of Russian forces while reducing risks to human personnel.