Four new ground drones cleared for Ukrainian army deployment to enhance logistics

On 6 November 2024, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, announced the Defense Ministry’s approval of four Brave1-developed land drones for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These multifunctional land-based robotic platforms, codified by the Defense Ministry, will operate on the frontlines to support logistics, reconnaissance, evacuation, and potentially combat tasks.

Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles of various sizes, operating in the air, on land, and at sea, play a central role, with technology advancing rapidly.

Ukraine’s Brave1 Defense Tech Development Support Cluster is a government-established  “united coordinational platform for Defense Tech,” fostering collaboration in the defense tech industry, offering organizational, informational, and financial support for national defense projects. Fedorov says Brave1 has supported the codification of over 220 defense systems, attracting $25 million in foreign investment for Ukrainian tech innovators. 

Fedorov explained that codification is essential for military procurement, as only codified systems are eligible for deployment. He praised the Brave1 cluster for advancing these technologies and supporting their readiness for combat.

Photographs, shared by Fedorov, show that two of the codified land drones, Tanchyk and Burevii, are tracked models while two others, Tarhan 2K and Tarhan 200, use wheels. Designs appear to be optimized for cargo transport and casualty evacuation. Similar other systems, already used by the Ukrainian military or undergoing testing, can carry third-party combat modules. The newly codified platforms may also have the capacity for such enhancements in the future.

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Minister Fedorov highlighted their potential in minimizing casualties, stating, that robot-equipped units had a 30% decrease in losses, according to the army’s General Staff.

Fedorov emphasized that these systems can save lives, evacuating casualties and taking on high-risk tasks like reconnaissance and mine-laying.

“The robots evacuate soldiers, deliver supplies, position and lay mines, and replace troops to prevent them from becoming live targets for enemy drones.” he added.

The newly codified drones feature specialized capabilities:

• Tanchyk is a robust ground platform capable of carrying up to 500 kg for reconnaissance, diversionary, evacuation, and assault tasks.
• Tarhan 2K, valued at $3,000, adapts to a range of logistics and reconnaissance roles over a 20 km range with a simple construction.
• Tarhan 200, an enhanced version, supports loads up to 200 kg, taking on logistics tasks equivalent to the work of up to eight personnel.
• Burevii, designed for logistical support, transports heavy items and facilitates the evacuation of wounded fighters.

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