Ukraine has used unmanned ground vehicles to replace personnel in more than 100,000 logistics and evacuation missions in 2026 so far.
Ukraine has used unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to replace personnel in more than 100,000 logistics and evacuation missions in 2026 so far, keeping service members out of some of the most dangerous areas of the front.
The missions, recorded in Ukraine’s DELTA combat management system, involved ground robots delivering ammunition, food, and water, as well as evacuating wounded and fallen service members, according to the Ministry of Defense.
Mission volumes have risen almost every month in 2026. Ukrainian forces recorded 7,511 UGV missions in January, 7,960 in February, 9,072 in March, 11,028 in April, 14,059 in May, 16,664 in June, and 19,969 in July.
From August 1 to 20, units recorded another 15,729 missions, putting the year-to-date total above 100,000.
Ukraine Expands Ground Robot Fleet
The increase in missions has been accompanied by a sharp rise in procurement, with Ukraine contracting more than 22,000 UGVs since the beginning of 2026.
Ukrainian firms have also been expanding the number and variety of ground robots available to their military. That expansion reflects the growing role of UGVs in reducing the exposure of Ukrainian troops to threats.
Beyond simply carrying supplies, ground robots can take on repetitive or high-risk missions without putting additional personnel in areas vulnerable to artillery, drones, or other attacks.
For example, in August, SMART BIRDS introduced the VORON, a UGV equipped with net launchers designed to intercept drones approaching from different directions. The platform can carry up to eight Pavuk net launchers for all-around drone protection.
The same month, Ukrainian drone maker Temerland introduced the Gnom L2, a modified UGV designed to carry heavy loads across difficult terrain. Based on the company's Gnom Logistic platform, it can carry up to 210 kilograms (463 pounds) of cargo and uses a hybrid wheel-and-track system for off-road mobility.
