Ukraine plans to expand the use of robotic vehicles and AI-controlled drones in battlefield operations

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine is increasingly relying on advanced military technologies, including unmanned ground vehicles and AI-powered target drones, as it adjusts to the grueling reality of trench warfare nearly three years after Russia’s invasion.

Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the country will need tens of thousands of robotic ground vehicles next year to transport ammunition and supplies to the front and evacuate wounded soldiers. These buggy-like vehicles, already in use on the front lines and in parts of Russia’s Kursk region, offer a safer alternative to human operators in areas heavily targeted by Russian artillery and drones.

“This technology saves our troops from having to operate in highly dangerous zones,” Fedorov said.

Evolving battlefield technologies

The use of advanced military technology has changed Ukraine’s approach to war, although the conflict remains a bloody stalemate with few major territorial changes. Despite intensified Russian offensives, particularly in recent months, Ukraine has focused on using innovation to offset the grueling nature of the fight.

The production of long-range drones in Ukraine has increased dramatically since 2023. President Volodymyr Zelensky has set an ambitious goal of producing 30,000 long-range drones by 2024, underscoring the country’s commitment to modernizing its arsenal.

Mr. Fedorov, who previously oversaw drone procurement before focusing on digital matters, said deception drones are also being used to mislead Russian defenses. Ukraine sometimes shoots down more attack drones in a single night than Russia, he noted, but stressed that the conflict is not just a “numbers game.”

Public-private innovation

Through a government-backed platform to promote innovation in the private sector, Ukraine has become a hub for military technology development. Mr. Fedorov played a central role in these efforts by facilitating partnerships between government institutions and technology companies to accelerate production and deployment.

As the war enters its third year, Ukraine’s pursuit of advanced technologies reflects its determination to maintain its defenses and counter Russian gains. However, the required scale of production and deployment, particularly for unmanned ground vehicles and drones, will pose logistical and financial challenges.

Still, Mr. Fedorov remains optimistic, calling the rapid development of military technology crucial to Ukraine’s strategy. “Our focus is on innovation, not just replication,” he said, highlighting the country’s efforts to redefine modern warfare amid the ongoing battle for its sovereignty.