More than 40 UAVs and more than 20 ground robots have been authorized for operation in the Ukrainian Armed Forces

2 June, 2024 Ukrainian "Makhno" ground drone. May 2024. Ukraine.

Photo credits: TDF Since the beginning of 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has authorized more than 40 unmanned aerial and more than 20 ground robotic systems for operation in the Armed Forces. The Defense Ministry's press service reported on this.

Drones can perform a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and remote mining to adjusting fire and striking targets. This reduces the risks for Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield. In particular, ground drones can perform logistics tasks on the front line, evacuate the wounded, and carry out mine clearance.

"...the production of UAVs, electronic warfare systems, reconnaissance, ground robotic systems for various purposes, and other innovative weapons is among the priority tasks," Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, First Deputy Minister of Defense, reported.

Ukrainian "Makhno" ground drone. May 2024. Ukraine.

Photo credits: TDF

According to him, the domestic defense industry is increasing the production of many types of weapons and equipment. The production of UAVs is gaining momentum. The production of FPV drones, which are in constant demand by the Ukrainian military, has also increased.

Last year, the Ministry of Defense codified and authorized a total of about 60 unmanned aerial systems for various purposes, including strike, reconnaissance, and other types. "In the first five months of this year, more than 40 samples have received the NATO code and been approved for operation. Most of them are FPV drones.

All the drones codified this year are Ukrainian-made!" the Defense Ministry shared.

UAVs of the Ukrainian military which were obtained as part of the "Army of Drones" project. November 2023. Photo credits: Mykhailo Fedorov

The share of domestically produced ground robotic systems and remotely operated combat modules that have been codified is also increasing.

Last year, the Ministry of Defense authorized almost a dozen ground robots of Ukrainian and foreign production. And in the first five months of 2024, more than two dozen samples have been codified. "Last year and this year, the share of Ukrainian-made products in the segment of ground robotic systems and remotely controlled weapon stations dominates," the Ministry of Defense said.

Ukrainian Rys PRO evacuation ground drone.

May 2024, Ukraine.

Photo credits: Militarnyi

At the end of May, Ukraine also conducted demonstration tests of unmanned medical evacuation equipment for Western partners.