The Ukrainian National Guard will test unmanned logistics capabilities provided by the German company Quantum Systems, which has previously supplied UAVs to the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The focus is now on the autonomous Zetros truck, equipped with the MOSAIC Ground Autonomy Kit, and the MANDRILL UGV.
A multi-million-dollar contract to supply equipment under Ukraine's research and development program was signed in Kyiv. The vehicles will be deployed in field conditions to gather user feedback, which will be used to further refine the systems.
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Under the agreement, the National Guard of Ukraine is set to receive 10 MANDRILL UGVs as well as 10 autonomous Zetros trucks. The manufacturer of the latter, Daimler Truck Defense, is also an official partner in the project.
From Defense Express we would like to note that this reflects a clear trend toward developing unmanned logistics systems for the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
The MOSAIC Ground Autonomy Kit also enables vehicles to be converted into unmanned platforms. However, everything is integrated into the MOSAIC UXS software suite, which enables users to plan and define missions while controlling multiple drones simultaneously from a single system.
As a result, it is possible to organize an entire logistics system that receives orders from a control center. The system also allows for controlling a single vehicle via a smartphone or operating in a convoy led by a “lead” manned vehicle. Currently, the system is being developed based on Daimler Trucks products, but it can also be integrated into other platforms. The choice of the Zetros for Ukraine makes perfect sense, as hundreds of them are being supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As for the MANDRILL, it is a modular unmanned ground vehicle capable of carrying a payload of more than 750 kg with a range of over 200 km on a single battery charge. Its claimed maximum speed is 100 km/h, but this is most likely achieved on a flat paved road.
It is worth noting that other countries are also investing in the development of autonomous trucks. In November 2025, the Spanish company Sener Aerospace & Defence demonstrated its COMMANDS convoy management system, which was developed with EU support. Iveco trucks served as the test platform for this project.
In addition to logistics, such systems could potentially be used for other tasks, such as serving as autonomous air defense platforms. A vehicle equipped with an anti-aircraft gun could travel autonomously to its assigned combat position, where it would engage aerial targets. Possible weapon configurations for the Zetros were demonstrated at Eurosatory 2026.
At this point, it is unclear how effective autonomous trucks will be for logistics and other tasks, given technological limitations and other factors. However, trials in Ukraine could help answer this question while providing an opportunity to further refine the technology before it is deployed.
Quantum Systems supplies the Ukrainian military with its UAVs, such as the Vector reconnaissance drones, which have proven themselves on the battlefield. The company also has a branch in Ukraine and continues to invest in the country's defense industry.
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