How New Technology Is Reshaping Military Strategy
Ukraine’s defense forces are quickly integrating advanced technology into their battlefield tactics, with plans to replace a portion of infantry troops with unmanned ground vehicles in high-risk frontline areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the first successful operation to reclaim a position using only ground robots and drones took place last year in the Kharkiv region. During that mission, Russian soldiers surrendered, and Ukrainian forces suffered no casualties.
The 3rd Assault Brigade, which carried out the operation, intends to replace roughly 30% of its infantry with robotic units. Commander Mykola Zinkevych (call sign Makar) of the NC13 strike unit explained the reasoning:
“The logic is simple: wherever there’s a high risk to human life, a robot should be used. A soldier’s life is priceless, and robots don’t bleed.”
The Potential of Ground Robots
The NC13 unit describes itself as the world’s first ground-robot strike force, having completed over 100 offensive missions in recent months. These ground robots are proving their worth in Ukraine’s military arsenal. One of the most widely used models, the TW12.7 by DevDroid, is equipped with a Browning machine gun and can independently hold a frontline position for up to six weeks.
- The average cost of such robots is around $30,000.
- With a mounted machine gun, the price rises to $50,000.
At the same time, military technology expert Elke Schwarz warns about the dangers of remote weaponry, noting that
“when we have a tool to use force from a distance, there’s a risk the threshold for using it drops... and civilians could end up being the first to suffer.”
Ukraine’s ground-robot market has surged by 488%, according to data from KSE Institute, BRAVE1, and Defence Builder. The vast majority of these systems are domestically developed, highlighting the rapid growth of homegrown military tech. NC13 unit commander Mykola Zinkevych also emphasized:
“This is a new phase of war,”signaling a major shift in combat approaches.
It’s worth noting that during operations, about 10–15% of robots are lost. However, their logistical capabilities — carrying between 200 and 600 kilograms of supplies — greatly reduce the burden on infantry soldiers, who typically carry around 20 kilograms of gear. Oleg Fedoryshyn, head of research and development at DevDroid, stated:
“We’re trying to build robots that will still be operational a year from now,”reflecting a long-term vision for military technology development.
The deployment of ground robots on Ukraine’s battlefields is opening up new tactical possibilities, lowering risks for personnel while boosting combat effectiveness. It also signals growing interest in military innovations and what they can offer in modern warfare. At the same time, ethical concerns and risks tied to the automation of combat must be carefully considered, as they present new challenges in ensuring civilian safety.
As Ukraine continues to innovate in military technology, the recent deployment of ground robots marks a significant shift in combat strategy. This advancement parallels another groundbreaking initiative, where Ukraine has become the first country to implement remote-controlled interceptors on a large scale. Such developments highlight the ongoing transformation of modern warfare and the potential for enhanced operational effectiveness. To learn more about these pioneering efforts, check out the details on Ukraine's mass deployment of interceptor drones.