Ukraine Deploys Amphibious Robot on First 40-km Frontline Supply Mission
Ukrainian troops have used a domestically developed amphibious UGV for the first time in a logistics mission, covering more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) across land and water. The system is designed to overcome rivers, canals and marshes that can block conventional ground robots.
In brief: Ukrainian troops have used a domestically developed amphibious UGV for the first time in a logistics mission, covering more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) across land and water. The system is designed to overcome rivers, canals and marshes that can block conventional ground robots.
Ukrainian troops have conducted their first logistics mission using a domestically developed amphibious unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), which traveled more than 40 kilometers (nearly 25 miles) across both land and water to deliver supplies to frontline positions.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said that troops from a separate mechanized brigade carried out the mission.
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Water obstacles such as rivers, canals, and marshes can make routes impassable for conventional ground robots, forcing troops to find alternative routes or use different vehicles.
The amphibious UGV is designed to overcome these obstacles without switching platforms. It can operate as a conventional ground robot on land, then enter the water and keep moving.
The vehicle underwent several months of testing and improvements in cooperation with Ukrainian troops before its first logistics mission, according to the ministry. Developers adapted the system based on the military’s operational needs, experience with robotic platforms, and the terrain encountered on the frontline.
The project received grant support from the Brave1 defense innovation cluster that helps local arms makers develop and scale production. The cluster also launched a dedicated “Amphibious UGV” track under its updated grant program.
The use of unmanned ground vehicles is becoming increasingly common in Ukraine’s military operations, with robotic systems being deployed for logistics, strikes on Russian positions and attacks on military infrastructure.
During the ongoing Operation Vivaldi to liberate eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, the 3rd Army Corps deployed UGVs to assault Russian positions for the first time.
The corps said its “NC13” strike UGV unit upgraded kamikaze robots and equipped them with Bullspike grenade launchers before deploying them against Russian positions.
As per the report, the robotic systems attacked Russian positions and detonated inside shelters. Ukrainian troops said Russian forces may initially have perceived the assault as a conventional infantry attack.
Instead, the operation was carried out by robotic systems controlled by operators from protected positions, which the 3rd Corps said could be located tens of kilometers from the contact line.
The corps has also tested airdropping unmanned robotic systems from the “Gryphon” heavy bombers and begun using robotic platforms to strike Russian positions and logistics targets at distances of up to 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) from the front line.
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