Logistics on modern battlefields is a matter of life and death. Traditional supply delivery methods are becoming increasingly dangerous due to the widespread use of FPV drones and minefields by the enemy. In response to these challenges, the Ukrainian military has begun actively integrating heavy ground robotic complexes (GRC) called "Protector" into their combat order.

According to RBC-Ukraine, citing the "Ukrainian Armored Vehicles" community, these vehicles are already performing critically important tasks as part of the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade "Achilles." Their main mission is to deliver cargo to the most dangerous and inaccessible sections of the front, where human presence entails unacceptable risks.

Strength and Endurance: "Protector" Specifications

The key advantage of the new complex is its payload capacity. In a single run, "Protector" can deliver nearly a ton of cargo. This amount includes food, ammunition, and other necessary resources for units, sufficient for a week of autonomous operation.

For comparison: most existing light electric logistics robots on the market can carry only about 300 kg of cargo over a distance of up to 20 km. "Protector," thanks to its design and power, meets the need for heavy logistics, which was previously solved only at the risk of truck drivers' lives.

The complex boasts an impressive speed of up to 60 km/h, allowing for rapid response to requests from forward units. Furthermore, the platform is highly versatile. In addition to logistics functions, it can be equipped with various weapons:

  • A combat module with a heavy Browning M2 machine gun;
  • Anti-tank guided missile systems;
  • In the future — laser weapons and anti-aircraft drones.

Combat Reality: Survival and Losses

The robot's effectiveness has been proven in real combat conditions. In one operation, "Protector" was attacked by an enemy FPV drone. The vehicle sustained shrapnel damage, but, thanks to the lack of a crew and an autonomous control system, it continued moving and successfully delivered the cargo to the troops' positions.

However, war spares no one, even unmanned vehicles. The "Achilles" brigade report notes a tragic incident: after successfully delivering supplies, the GRC hit a mine on the return trip. The damage sustained was critical, and the vehicle could not be returned to base. Nevertheless, the loss of equipment without human casualties is considered an acceptable risk in the context of saving soldiers' lives.

The Future of Robotic Warfare

The introduction of "Protector" is part of a broader strategy to robotize rear and logistics functions. This allows personnel to be freed from routine and deadly cargo transport work, focusing efforts on combat operations.

The development of robotics in Ukraine is proceeding in parallel with the modernization of detection and strike capabilities. Earlier reports mentioned the receipt of Swedish Giraffe radar systems for drone countermeasures, as well as the creation of the unique DART missile, launched from stratospheric balloons and resistant to electronic warfare. Robotic trucks are becoming another important element of this multi-level system of survival and victory.