The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially codified and approved the deployment of the PROTECTOR heavy unmanned ground vehicle for operational use within the Armed Forces. This domestically developed platform marks another step in the increasing integration of robotic systems into Ukraine's modern battlefield.
The PROTECTOR UGV was designed based on real combat experience gathered by Ukrainian troops over the course of the war. It is intended to support logistics and combat missions across a wide range of terrains and weather conditions, enhancing both the effectiveness and safety of Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines.
Read more: Ukrainian DODGER Robot Clears Path for Safer Battlefield Operations
Among its primary roles are the transportation of ammunition and gear, medical evacuation of wounded personnel, and functioning as a mobile platform for robotic combat modules, electronic warfare, and radio reconnaissance systems. Its modular architecture allows for flexibility across various mission profiles, from direct combat support to rear-line logistics.
With a payload capacity of up to 700 kilograms and an operational range of up to 400 kilometers, the PROTECTOR vehicle offers significant autonomy and endurance. It is powered by a high-performance internal combustion engine and features full all-wheel drive for superior off-road capability. RunFlat tires enable continued movement even after sustaining damage, ensuring survivability in high-risk environments.
This platform stands out not only for its robust specifications but also for its vision of a new category of military robotics: a full-size unmanned vehicle designed to operate alongside manned forces in contested areas. As Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin noted, technologies like the PROTECTOR represent "a new branch in the development of ground robotic systems" aimed at reducing human exposure to danger.
Valerii Churkin emphasized the importance of bringing cutting-edge innovations closer to the trench lines. According to him, empowering frontline units with autonomous systems like PROTECTOR will reduce risks and enhance the sustainability of Ukraine's fighting forces. He highlighted the strategic need to reinforce strongpoints and operations with robotic platforms that can absorb risk and carry out complex tasks under fire.
As Defense Express previously reported, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially codified and approved the DODGER unmanned ground robotic system for operational use by the Armed Forces. The announcement, made by the Main Directorate for Support of the Life Cycle of Weapons and Military Equipment, marks another step in the rapid integration of high-tech solutions into Ukraine's battlefield capabilities amid ongoing war with russia.
Read more: Ukraine's New TERMIT Robot Rolls Into War: Deliver Gear, Navigate Trenches, and Carry up to 300 Kg
