Ukraine actively deploys unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to assist with logistical and evacuation operations along the front line. These developments stem from initiatives supported by Brave1, a defense technology platform aimed at advancing practical solutions for battlefield needs.
One of the key challenges these systems aim to address is logistics under fire. Delivering supplies or evacuating wounded personnel near combat zones poses serious risks to human operators. The UGVs offer a way to complete such missions with reduced exposure to danger.
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Since Brave1's launch, Ukrainian UGV sector has grown from initial concept development to functional deployment. Among the systems now in use is the Ratel H, a tracked robotic platform capable of transporting cargo and performing evacuation tasks.
The Ratel H system can carry payloads exceeding 400 kilograms and tow up to 1,500 kilograms. This makes it suitable for moving ammunition, medical equipment, and other supplies, as well as transporting injured personnel from frontline areas.
The robot is equipped with infrared lighting and night vision cameras, allowing it to operate in low-visibility conditions, including nighttime. It is also designed to move through areas where mines or other hazards may be present, limiting the need for human presence in such zones.
According to Brave1, systems like the Ratel H are increasingly used to support routine operations under combat conditions. Their role is comparable to that of unmanned aerial vehicles, which have already become standard tools for reconnaissance and strike coordination.
While still in the early stages of broader adoption, UGVs are being integrated into Ukraine's approach to reduce personnel risk and maintain operational continuity in contested areas. Their use is expected to expand as platforms are refined and battlefield requirements evolve.
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