PREVIEW

Ukraine’s soldiers are getting help from some robot chums on the battlefield
At the UNITED24 anniversary summit earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to raise funds for combat robots.
"Squads of robots will save the lives of our military and civilians," Zelensky stated.
These robots are set to play diverse roles, from logistics support and towing operations to minelaying, demining, and even self-destruction for tactical advantage.
"They will fight alongside people and for people," Zelensky added..
Ukraine, via the UNiTED24 platform, plans to raise funds for three primary types of ground robotic systems.
Combat robots, the first category, are designed for remote operations, including assault, defence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These robots, equipped with 7.62mm PKT and PKM machine guns and 12.7mm NSVT and M2 Browning machine guns, can engage targets up to 2 kilometres away.
They offer substantial protection against small arms fire and feature thermographic cameras for night missions. Models like SHABLYA M2, LYUT, MOROZ, and D-11 are already demonstrating their battlefield effectiveness, though more units are needed to meet the demand.
Self-destructive robots and minelayers represent the second category. These units are designed to target enemy armored vehicles and fortifications. Capable of carrying up to two TM-62 anti-tank mines or a 40 kg payload, these robots can charge towards targets at speeds up to 25 km/h, detonating on impact. They can also remotely lay mines to disrupt enemy movements. The RATEL S and ARK-1 robots operate from a safe distance of up to 5.5 kilometers, ensuring the operators' safety while performing dangerous tasks.
The third category comprises logistical robots, vital for delivering supplies and evacuating wounded soldiers from the front lines. These versatile machines can transport up to 600 kg of cargo, including provisions, ammunition, and equipment. They can also be outfitted with additional technologies such as electronic warfare systems and remote video surveillance. Models like VOLYA-E, RATEL H, TERMIT, RYS PRO, KNLR-E, and SIRKO-S1 offer a range of operational capabilities, with some systems able to travel up to 40 kilometers.
The VOLYA-E platform has already proven its worth, evacuating over a hundred wounded and deceased soldiers from the battlefield, tasks that would have been impossible otherwise. The TERMIT robot, another Ukrainian innovation, excels in both cargo transport and medical evacuation.
The introduction of these robots marks a significant evolution in modern warfare. Combat robots can engage in assaults and defend positions while their operators remain safe at distances up to 4 kilometers. Equipped with machine guns and thermal-imaging cameras, they can operate effectively both day and night.
Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, highlighted the ongoing demand for these robots.
"There's no exact number of robots that Ukraine is seeking because there's a constant need," he said.
These robotic systems are set to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities significantly. The MOROZ combat robot, equipped with a 7.62x51mm machine gun and advanced optics, exemplifies the cutting-edge technology Ukraine is integrating into its defense strategy. Developed by BRAVE1, a Ukrainian Defense Tech cluster, MOROZ can operate continuously for 48 hours, providing a formidable presence on the battlefield.
The Ukrainian military has already had considerable battlefield success by utilising drone technology in the air and at sea. In particular, their ‘SeaBaby’ naval drones have sunk Russian ships in the Black Sea.
As Ukraine continues to innovate, the use of robots in warfare is not only saving lives but also redefining the dynamics of modern combat. With the support of international donors and ongoing advancements, Ukraine aims to establish its military robotics as some of the most advanced in the world.
Donations to help fund the deployment of the robots can be made via the UNITED24 platform.