Diehl Conducts Ground Drone Trials in Ukraine

German defense company Diehl Defence recently tested its ground robotic system as part of the Brave1, Test in Ukraine program.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, announced this.

Known for its IRIS-T air defense systems, Diehl Defence conducted the first trials of its ground drone at the training center of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

These tests allowed Diehl’s developers to evaluate their technology under conditions closely resembling real combat. The company received valuable feedback from soldiers who actively operate the robotic complex, along with clear recommendations to tailor the system to the demands of the frontline.

Although the minister did not share images or the exact name of the drone tested, the only model Diehl has been promoting extensively is the UGV Ziesel – a versatile platform designed to accompany infantry units.

Ziesel is a fully electric tracked vehicle weighing 350 kg, capable of carrying a payload of 500 kg. It is quite compact, measuring 1.31 meters in length, 1.23 meters in width, and 0.6 meters in height.

The vehicle is positioned as a multi-purpose platform, but during testing it was primarily showcased as a logistics tool or cargo carrier for infantry units operating in autonomous escort mode.

However, at the Enforce Tac exhibition, a reconnaissance version was also displayed, equipped with a sensor mast featuring a rotating optical station and an AI-based object recognition system developed by Walaris. This system can automatically detect objects such as unmanned aerial vehicles.

It is likely that after completing initial trials, the robotic system from Diehl Defence will continue tests with Ukrainian troops in combat conditions, carrying out missions on the frontline.

“Recently, we launched Test in Ukraine (program – ed.), opening the opportunity for global manufacturers to test their developments in real combat conditions. Ukraine’s unique experience helps create effective solutions capable of changing the battlefield. International companies are already testing their potential on our training grounds,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.

He adds that by testing foreign developments through the Test in Ukraine program, Ukraine is scaling its combat experience to a global level and helping international companies develop effective solutions for modern technological warfare.

Militarnyi previously reported that GEREON RCS ground drones by another German developer were already in use on the frontline and were expected to receive a combat version in the near future through the integration of Ukrainian remote-controlled weapon modules.