Ukrainian Military Begins Using Protector Unmanned Ground Vehicle

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have begun operating the Protector unmanned heavy ground vehicle, developed by Ukrainian Armor.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine announced the decision, stating the platform was designed based on combat experience to perform logistics and combat tasks in varied terrain and weather conditions.

The Protector UGV can transport ammunition and equipment, evacuate wounded personnel, serve as a mobile platform for remote-controlled weapon systems, or be configured for electronic warfare operations.

It has a payload capacity of up to 700 kilograms and a range of up to 400 kilometers.

Powered by an internal combustion engine, the all-wheel-drive vehicle is designed for cross-country mobility, including fording obstacles. Run-flat tires allow it to continue operating even when damaged.

Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armored Vehicles LLC, said Protector could also carry smaller ground-based drones weighing between 50 and 150 kilograms. These drones operate close to the front line, within a range of two to three kilometers.

“Transporting them discreetly is a challenge, but our logistics vehicle can deliver three to four of these robots at once. It preserves their charge and increases their operational effectiveness,” Belbas said.

He added that development of the vehicle had begun in mid-2023 in collaboration with one of Ukraine’s frontline brigades operating in the Donetsk region.

“We received a technical assignment from a top brigade that was among the first to use ground robots for mining and strike missions.

Cooperation with their operators and the brigade commander’s vision allowed us to develop Ukraine’s first heavy unmanned logistics vehicle,” Belbas said.

According to the manufacturer, Protector can also serve as an armed ground robot by mounting weapon systems for use against enemy personnel or armored vehicles. The company highlights the platform’s low production cost and rapid manufacturing potential, though pricing details have not been disclosed.

The Protector UGV was first presented at the MSPO Defence Industry Exhibition in Poland in September 2024. The vehicle was also featured in a report by Militarnyi on developments in unmanned ground systems.