Germany and Ukraine complete integration of the "Shabli" combat module with the GEREON robot: what is known

On October 29, 2026, German company ARX Robotics and Ukrainian company ROBONEERS completed the initial integration and testing of the "Shabli" combat module with the GEREON unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This was reported by the companies themselves in a joint press release, cited by RBC-Ukraine. According to the developers, combining the two systems creates a unified combat platform: GEREON provides mobility, reconnaissance, and surveillance, while the "Shabli" module performs fire support tasks. By the end of 2026, the parties plan to integrate "Shabli" modules in M2 and MK 19 (M) configurations with the GEREON platform, with initial deliveries being made in accordance with the operational needs and requests of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Political context: Merz's visit and strategic partnership

The completion of the initial integration is the next phase of a strategic technical partnership signed on October 4, 2026, in Kyiv during the state visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The companies emphasize that the new agreement is a continuation of earlier cooperation initiated with the creation of the ARX Industries joint venture, which will manufacture the "Rys Pro" UGV in Germany and Ukraine. According to plans, the joint venture will produce several thousand systems in its first year of production.

Technical characteristics and modularity

The GEREON series is a medium-sized UGV with a modular design. According to ARX Robotics, this is the largest fleet of Western-manufactured unmanned ground vehicles deployed in Ukraine. The platform is capable of transporting payloads and combat loads weighing up to 500 kg over distances of up to 40 km, performing various tasks ranging from logistical supplies to the evacuation of the wounded. "Shabli", in turn, is a modular line of remotely controlled combat modules by ROBONEERS for various weapon systems. The company independently handles their supply, integration, and technical support. Integration with GEREON expands the range of platforms on which ROBONEERS modules can operate: units will be able to choose weaponry for specific tasks—from assault rifles to grenade launchers on a single ground platform.

Production scaling and supplies

The first batch of GEREON UGVs was handed over to the Ukrainian Defense Forces by German companies ARX Robotics and DEUTZ. The systems were assembled at the DEUTZ plant in Ulm; 12 weeks passed from the start of joint production to delivery. ARX Robotics is responsible for system design, software, and integration, while DEUTZ provides production facilities and industrial scaling expertise. ARX Robotics stated that the first batch is part of a larger contract, and production volumes will increase in the coming months. "Europe's armed forces need thousands of unmanned ground systems in a very short timeframe to act effectively in modern threat environments," noted an ARX Robotics representative.

Growth of UGV deployment on the frontline

The practical significance of integrating "Shabli" and GEREON is underscored by statistics on the deployment of robotic systems. According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the number of UGV missions on the frontline has increased 3.3 times since the beginning of 2026. In August alone, unmanned ground vehicles performed over 25,000 logistical and evacuation tasks. In total, as of early September, about 112,000 such missions were recorded in the DELTA system. "Modern armed forces need platforms capable of rapidly adapting to different tasks, integrating new technologies, and seamlessly interacting with existing systems," said Maximilian Wied, CFO and co-founder of ARX Robotics. ROBONEERS CEO Anton Skrypnyk added: "The 'Shabli' combat module is designed to adapt to the operational needs of military units, and not the other way around."