Ukraine to Contract 25,000 UGVs by Mid-2026

Ukraine's military is set to contract 25,000 unmanned ground vehicles in the first half of 2026, aiming to have robotic systems handle all frontline logistics operations as part of a broader push to integrate machines into high-risk battlefield roles. The expansion comes amid Russia's ongoing invasion, now in its third year, where drone-saturated zones have made traditional supply runs across contested areas increasingly perilous for soldiers.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the procurement plan following meetings with domestic manufacturers, emphasizing the need for low-cost, scalable systems. The Ministry of Defense has already signed 19 contracts valued at approximately 250 million for unmanned ground vehicles, known locally as UGVs or NRKs. These platforms, which include wheeled and tracked remotely operated machines, are primarily used for delivering supplies like food, water, ammunition, and equipment, as well as evacuating wounded personnel and damaged gear from forward positions.

In a recent operation near Kupiansk, Ukrainian forces captured a Russian-held school building using only unmanned platforms, marking the first such assault without infantry...