Wars have always driven technological advancements, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is no exception. As the country fights to hold its ground, innovation is becoming as vital as firepower.
Next year, Ukraine plans to purchase thousands of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to support its forces.
These robotic machines will transport supplies, deliver ammunition, and evacuate wounded soldiers from dangerous zones near the frontlines, according to Ziare.
Mihailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, has been instrumental in integrating technology into the military.
He explained the importance of these vehicles in reducing risks for troops under constant Russian shelling and drone strikes.
"This year, we acquired a few thousand platforms. Next year, we’ll need tens of thousands," he told Reuters.
Already In Use
The UGVs are already being used in critical areas, including the Kursk region in Russia, where Ukrainian forces established a foothold during a summer incursion.
Training programs have been set up across Ukraine to teach soldiers how to operate the advanced machines.
While the battlefield has settled into a brutal stalemate in many areas, the war is far from stagnant when it comes to technological evolution.
These robotic vehicles are just one part of a broader shift in how Ukraine is adapting to modern warfare.
Fedorov has also spearheaded advancements in drone technology. Long-range attack drones, essential for deep strikes into Russian territory, have seen a massive increase in production.
In 2023, the scale of manufacturing grew exponentially. By next year, President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes to produce 30,000 such weapons.
These efforts are not without urgency. Ukraine has faced setbacks in the east, losing ground to advancing Russian forces.
Zelensky recently admitted that Ukraine lacks the manpower and firepower to reclaim all occupied territories, calling instead for potential diplomatic solutions.
