The Protector unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), developed by Ukrainian Armor, has received another round of upgrades based on lessons learned from combat operations. During frontline deployments, operators routinely loaded the vehicle beyond its officially rated payload. In response, the manufacturer reinforced the platform, enabling it to carry nearly twice as much cargo as originally specified.
The Protector was initially designed with a payload capacity of 770 kg. Following the latest upgrade, that figure has increased to 1,480 kg, or nearly 1.5 tons. To ensure reliable operation under the heavier loads, engineers integrated air suspension bags into the rear suspension system. With these improvements, the Protector remains Ukraine's largest unmanned ground vehicle in terms of payload, overall size, and gross weight.
Read more: UGVs in Ukrainian Service: How They Overcome Kill Zone and Change Rules of War
Despite its size, the platform has reportedly demonstrated impressive survivability in combat conditions. According to a representative of Ukrainian Armor, a typical Protector completes up to 20 combat missions before being lost or requiring major repairs. One vehicle reportedly transported around 15 tons of supplies in a single month. The company notes that a single resupply run by a Protector can deliver enough essential equipment and supplies to sustain a frontline unit for approximately one week.
The UGV has also received communications upgrades, with LTE connectivity now added to its control systems. According to Anastasiia, a project support specialist for unmanned systems development at Ukrainian Armor, the company continuously refines its products based on operational feedback from Ukrainian forces.
Although the Protector is primarily employed for logistics missions, the platform was designed as a modular system capable of carrying a variety of mission payloads. It has already been tested with multiple remotely operated weapon stations, while the company is also exploring new payload options, including laser-based weapon systems.
Another advantage of the platform is its ability to serve as a transport vehicle for smaller robotic systems. According to the manufacturer, a single Protector can carry three to four smaller UGVs, allowing larger robotic formations to be deployed more efficiently across the battlefield.
At present, neither the production rate of the Protector nor the total number delivered to the Ukrainian Defense Forces has been disclosed. Last month, however, rare footage surfaced on social media showing soldiers from the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade employing the platform during combat operations.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that Sweden is avoiding the mistakes made by others by shaping the requirements for its next-generation UGVs around the real-world combat experience of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
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