Dec 28, 2025
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The Russia-Ukraine War has significantly advanced the field of modern robotics, with air-based and sea-based drones having decisive effects on the battlefield. However, ground-based robots have generally lagged behind, even as they become increasingly present in combat operations. Rather than the autonomous terminator-style machines envisioned in science fiction, these systems have focused primarily on logistics and resupply. Their role is now rapidly expanding as Russian and Ukrainian soldiers adapt ground robots to perform new tactical tasks under the pressure of combat.
Ukraine’s And Russia’s Fleet Of Ground Robots
Both Russia and Ukraine possess a wide assortment of ground robots. Over the past four years, Ukraine’s fleet has grown substantially through a combination of foreign military aid and domestic production. Since 2022, Ukraine has operated 15 Estonian-supplied THeMIS platforms for resupply and casualty evacuation and is slated to receive another 150 of these systems. Ukraine has also fielded domestically produced electric platforms such as the Targan-300 and BRO-1409. Alongside these logistics platforms, Ukrainian forces have begun deploying armed systems such as the Droid TW 12.7, which carries a remotely operated .50-caliber machine gun.
Similarly, Russia has developed its own set of ground robots. Its most commonly used system is the Courier, a modular, tracked platform that can be configured to transport supplies or carry specialized payloads depending on mission requirements. In addition to the Courier, Russia has employed the Omich robotic system, a compact tracked ground vehicle designed primarily for logistics and combat support roles. Both systems have been observed carrying supplies, equipment, and even soldiers along the front lines.
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Both countries also have a broad range of smaller robotic platforms in their arsenals, including wheeled, tracked, and quadruped variants. These devices are especially useful for intelligence gathering, but the extent of their use remains unclear. Due to their small size, they are difficult for people to notice or photograph, which limits the sharing of images on social media. Additionally, given these mission sets, their use has not been publicly disclosed.
Regardless, the role of ground robots has been limited by the difficulty of operating these systems in urban environments where much of the fighting is occurring. Maintaining reliable communications links in urban terrain is challenging, and the systems often struggle to navigate rubble, wires, and ditches. As they move slowly through this terrain, they are easy targets for FPV and bomber drones.
Robots As Remote Weapon Platforms
A Ukrainian Droid TW 12.7 achieved widespread attention last week for holding a Ukrainian position against a Russian advance for 45 days. Acting as a mobile weapon platform, the system was used by Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade to fill a gap in the Ukrainian lines in Kharkiv Oblast. Videos have also circulated showing a Droid TW 12.7 firing on and destroying a Russian MT-LB armored carrier during a night assault near Kostyantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine has since modified this platform to employ a 40-millimeter grenade launcher configuration. This upgrade increases the system’s lethality, making it more effective against waves of dismounted infantry and light armored vehicles.
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While most social media footage of Russian ground robots depicts logistics roles, Russia has also released images of systems equipped with advanced weaponry. Earlier this year, the Russian military published a video showing a Courier fitted with a machine gun operating alongside an infantry squad during a live-fire exercise. Other reports indicate that Russian forces are using a Courier equipped with a Shmel thermobaric rocket module along the Sumy axis. Additional footage has appeared of an Omich outfitted with a lightweight flamethrower package.
More broadly, as both sides field increasing numbers of modular ground robots, they are adapting weapon configurations to meet immediate battlefield needs. Ukrainian forces prioritize systems capable of engaging dismounted infantry and armored vehicles, while Russian forces emphasize platforms designed to breach fortified defensive positions. As the war continues to evolve, both sides are likely to further modify weapon systems on their respective robotic platforms.
Integration Of Ground Robots With Air-Based Drones
Air-based drones remain the most powerful and influential systems in the arsenals of both sides and have shaped much of the current conflict. Ukraine has begun identifying ways for ground robots and air-based drones to complement each other. For example, during a recent period of fog, Ukrainian FPV drones were unable to observe Russian movements, allowing Russian soldiers and equipment to maneuver into Pokrovsk and make additional advances. Ukraine responded by integrating ground robots into its surveillance network. These robots concealed themselves along roadways to monitor Russian movements. When activity was detected, air-based drone operators were notified and could launch attacks.
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Ground robots are also being supported by air-based drones in new ways. A video on social media shows a Ukrainian Vampire drone being used to drop a small robotic dog, equipped with a thermal imaging camera, into Russian-controlled territory. According to the video, approximately 30 of these “combat robot scouts” have been dropped behind enemy lines to support Ukrainian intelligence gathering.
Russia is likely pursuing similar integration efforts, although little information has been publicly released. Given Russia’s long-standing expertise in military robotics, electronic warfare, and autonomous systems, Russian forces are also likely using ground robots to collect and relay intelligence to drone operators. Further, Russia has recently developed heavy-lift drones comparable to Ukraine’s Vampire and could potentially use them to deploy small ground robots into Ukrainian territory.
Robots As Engineering Tools To Shape Terrain
Throughout the war, the engineer corps of both Russia and Ukraine have played a decisive role in shaping battlefield conditions. However, both sides have suffered significant losses in engineering equipment and personnel. To compensate, Russian forces are attempting to generate engineering capacity through the use of ground robots. For example, the Courier platform has been outfitted to lay landmines, allowing Russia to replace lost minelayers while reducing exposure of its engineers.
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More recently, a video posted on Telegram shows Russian forces using a ground robot to support a bridging operation. In the footage, what appears to be a Courier has a large blade affixed to the front, effectively turning it into a bulldozer. The robot pushes dirt and rocks into the water to create a small land bridge for Russian forces to cross. While the crossing site appears narrow and likely temporary, it was sufficient to overcome an obstacle that could not be easily forded.
With a similar shortage in engineer capacity, Ukraine is facing particular challenges with demining. In response, Ukraine has developed and fielded several robotic systems, including the Sirko-S1, which was procured and deployed in early 2025. Additional platforms are currently under development and undergoing field testing, reflecting Ukraine’s broader effort to expand robotic support for engineer operations.
Future Outlook For Military Ground Robots
As Russian and Ukrainian soldiers remain locked in a war of attrition, they are searching for any new capability that can provide an advantage on the battlefield. Ground robots have the potential to offer new capabilities to warfighters. As a result, Russian and Ukrainian soldiers will continue to find innovative ways to employ ground robots to address operational challenges. For example, ground robots could soon be used to provide counter-drone support, forward observation for artillery strikes, and urban breaching.
While soldiers are pushing these systems to their technical limits, their respective defense industrial bases are advancing their state of the technology. Capabilities will continue to increase by leveraging advances from the drone industry. Improved sensors and faster processing will enhance the autonomy and responsiveness of ground robots. As with drones and electronic warfare, Russia and Ukraine will continue to learn from and react to each other’s innovations, accelerating technological development. The coming year is likely to see a significant increase in the number and variety of ground robots operating on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield.
As with airborne drones, the West should actively assist Ukraine in developing and building ground-based drones. It’s in their own interest, seeing that the future of war lies with autonomous vehicles operating in air, land, and sea environments. And, being the smaller country with fewer resources, anything that can help Ukraine win this war should be vital to the continent.