Ukraine is scaling up the use of ground-based drones to replace a third of the frontline infantry, Forbes reports

The use of ground drones by Ukraine has become a pivotal element in its military strategy, marking a significant shift in how land warfare is conducted on the front lines. According to reports, Ukrainian forces are increasingly relying on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to replace up to one-third of infantry units in some of the most dangerous areas of the frontline. This transformation is part of a broader effort to minimize human exposure to high-risk environments while maintaining operational effectiveness. The initiative reflects both tactical necessity and strategic ambition, driven by the need to counteract the pervasive threat posed by enemy drone surveillance and attacks.

The adoption of UGVs began as a response to the growing danger faced by traditional infantry units. With enemy drones constantly monitoring the skies, any movement of troops becomes highly risky. To mitigate this risk, the Ukrainian command has turned to flexible robotic platforms capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including logistics, mine clearance, evacuation of the wounded, and direct combat engagement with the adversary. These systems have evolved rapidly, moving beyond their initial roles as engineering tools to become integral components of modern battlefield operations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has played a crucial role in advancing this technological transition. He has set a clear goal for the defense industry: to supply at least 50,000 UGVs to the armed forces by 2026. This directive underscores the government's commitment to integrating advanced robotics into national security infrastructure. Industry data supports the feasibility of this target, showing a staggering 488% growth in the Ukrainian market for UGVs in 2025 alone. Industry leaders predict that actual delivery numbers will exceed the presidential plan due to direct procurement by military units themselves. For instance, nearly 25,000 units were contracted just in the first half of 2026—more than double the number delivered in the entire previous year.

The practical applications of these robots have expanded significantly over time. Initially used primarily for engineering purposes, they now perform thousands of missions each month. One of the most common uses is logistical support, delivering ammunition, water, and food to isolated positions under fire. Evacuation of the wounded using robots has also become routine, although it requires meticulous planning. Military commanders view these machines as expendable resources, willing to sacrifice several units to save a single soldier’s life. In some cases, UGVs have even taken on offensive roles, engaging in direct combat against enemy diversions and patrolling perimeters equipped with automatic turrets.

A notable example of this evolution occurred during the experience of the "Charter" battalion near Kupiansk, where an enemy stronghold was cleared entirely by UGVs and aerial drones without involving infantry in the zone of impact. This success led to the formal establishment of specialized "drone infantry" units within the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, Ukrainian engineers continue to experiment with new functionalities for these platforms. Companies such as Ratel Robotics are testing networked launch systems based on UGVs to intercept low-flying enemy quadcopters, while the Third Army Corps has introduced advanced robotic air defense systems incorporating elements of artificial intelligence capable of autonomously detecting, tracking, and destroying aerial targets.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding communication stability in the face of intense electronic warfare. Solutions have been developed through the implementation of mesh networks, allowing UGVs, aerial relays, and base stations to transmit control signals sequentially, thereby overcoming terrain obstacles and ensuring more stable connections. Western analysts suggest that while UGVs will not fully replace infantry, they are shaping a new doctrine that emphasizes technology-driven warfare strategies. As Russia attempts to catch up with its own ground-based systems, the evolving landscape of military robotics continues to redefine the nature of modern conflict.