Ukraine has launched its largest-ever trial of domestically produced ground drones, showcasing over 70 unmanned systems that could revolutionize battlefield logistics and reduce troop casualties.
At a Glance
- Ukraine tested over 70 ground robotic systems from 50 domestic manufacturers under battlefield-like conditions
- Ground drones can carry hundreds of kilograms of supplies, significantly more than aerial drones
- Ukraine is also using fiber optic cables to control some drones, making them resistant to Russian electronic warfare
- The “Brave1 defense technologies cluster” organized the trials as part of Ukraine’s military modernization efforts
- Many systems are already deployed with Ukrainian military units, including the ballistic-protected “Zmiy” logistics vehicle
Ukraine’s Massive Ground Drone Trials
In a significant advancement for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, the country recently completed its largest-ever field trials of domestic military robotics technology. The tests, organized by the government-funded “Brave1 defense technologies cluster,” evaluated more than 70 ground robotic systems (GRS) from 50 Ukrainian manufacturers.
These unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) were subjected to rigorous battlefield-like conditions across a challenging 10-kilometer route to assess their performance under high-stress scenarios, including electronic warfare interference and navigation across unmarked terrain.
The trials represent a significant shift in Ukraine’s military strategy, expanding beyond the aerial drone warfare that has dominated headlines to now include sophisticated ground-based robotic systems. Most of the tested vehicles successfully met their technical specifications and demonstrated effectiveness over long distances—a crucial capability for frontline operations where troops face constant danger.
Our UAO provided „Targan“ ground drones at a test ride with our defenders📡
Imagine a wounded soldier transported from the battlefield or supplies provided to the zeroline – these drones save lives🫡 pic.twitter.com/x715fCimiR
— Ukraine Aid Operations 🇺🇦 (@UkraineAidOps) May 3, 2025
Advantages of Ground Drone Systems
Ground-based robotic systems offer a critical advantage over their aerial counterparts: substantial cargo capacity. While aerial drones have been essential for surveillance and precision strikes, ground drones can transport hundreds of kilograms of supplies, ammunition, and equipment to frontline positions. This capability significantly reduces the risk to Ukrainian soldiers who would otherwise need to manually transport these materials through dangerous combat zones.
Engineers and specialists from Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces participated in the trials to support the integration of these systems into military operations. The focus wasn’t just on the vehicles themselves but also on developing specialized solutions for communication and terrain navigation, which present unique challenges for ground-based systems compared to aerial drones. Many of these robotic vehicles from Brave1-affiliated manufacturers are already serving with various Ukrainian military units.
Fiber Optic Drone Technology
Parallel to the ground drone developments, Ukrainian forces have been implementing fiber optic cable systems to control First-Person View (FPV) drones. This technology represents a significant counter to Russia’s sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, which have proven highly effective at jamming radio-controlled drones. By using physical fiber optic cables instead of radio signals, these drones can operate in complete radio silence, making them undetectable by radar systems and immune to electronic jamming.
These fiber optic FPV drones cost approximately $1,200 each and can have ranges up to 15 kilometers, with some reports indicating deployments of up to 20 kilometers. Despite their advantages, the technology is fragile and can result in control loss if the cable is damaged. Additionally, less than 5% of Ukrainian drones currently use fiber optic cables due to high demand and limited supply. By comparison, Russian forces reportedly operate similar systems with ranges up to 30 kilometers.
Future Battlefield Applications
Ukraine has begun deploying robotic units to frontline brigades to reduce troop exposure during high-risk missions. In January, the country authorized deployment of a new domestically produced UGV called “Zmiy,” designed specifically for military logistics with advanced ballistic and mine protection systems. Future focus areas for the Brave1 initiative include developing tactics for robotic logistics, casualty evacuation operations, and creating combat land drone concepts that balance firepower with mobility.
Ground systems are increasingly needed for roles such as reconnaissance, precision strikes, remote mine deployment, and mine clearance—all missions that would otherwise put soldiers at extreme risk. As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s investment in domestic drone technology demonstrates its commitment to military modernization and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defense capabilities. The success of these trials suggests Ukrainian forces will continue to innovate with increasingly sophisticated robotic systems on the battlefield.
