Robots to Replace a Third of Frontline Infantry, Says Commander of Ukraine’s Third Army Corps

Plan to Robotize the Front Lines

According to Главком: During a closed-door meeting with students, Colonel Andriy Biletskyi, commander of Ukraine’s Third Army Corps, outlined a strategy to robotize the front lines and move away from Soviet-style command structures. The main objective for 2026 is to replace one-third of all infantry personnel on the front with unmanned ground systems. Biletskyi noted that in certain sectors of the front, this figure could rise to half of the infantry forces, though full replacement of human soldiers with robotic systems is not yet on the table.

As part of this plan, Biletskyi highlighted the next stage in the technological race: unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The deployment of UGVs will cover:

• conducting strike missions;
• logistics at the zero line;
• medical evacuation of the wounded;
• mine-laying operations.

He also stressed that decentralized decision-making, flexibility, and adaptability are essential to winning a 21st-century war.

To support these changes, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, in partnership with the Brave1 innovation cluster, has tested a new generation of FPV strike drones developed by eight Ukrainian manufacturers. These efforts are part of a broader push to robotize the front and phase out outdated Soviet command models.

“Removing a third of the infantry from the front line and replacing them with unmanned ground systems is the benchmark I have set for the corps this year.” - Andriy Biletskyi

As part of these reforms, private universities are expected to be brought into military education, which could help introduce new technologies and approaches to warfare. The rigid centralization and fear that characterized the old command system are gradually fading, opening the door to new ways of adapting to modern challenges.

Outlook for New Technology Deployment

Implementing the front-line robotization plan could significantly change combat tactics, reducing risks to personnel and increasing mission effectiveness. The introduction of new technologies like unmanned ground vehicles offers the potential for more agile command and faster adaptation to shifting conditions on the battlefield. These changes may also boost Ukraine’s defense industry, attracting fresh investment and innovation into the military sector.

As Ukraine embraces technological advancements on the battlefield, the utilization of robots is proving effective in combat scenarios. In a recent operation, automated systems successfully led the charge in capturing a Russian position, highlighting the shift towards more sophisticated warfare strategies. This development underscores the importance of integrating robotics into military tactics, as discussed by Colonel Andriy Biletskyi. To learn more about the role of automation in Ukraine's military efforts, see how robots are becoming key players in frontline operations.