Range of up to 400 km: PROTECTOR ground robotic system authorized by Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has codified and authorized the PROTECTOR unmanned ground system for operational use within the units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The PROTECTOR heavy unmanned ground system, developed by a domestic enterprise based on the combat experience of Ukrainian forces, aims to ensure personnel safety during logistics and combat operations in any terrain and weather conditions.

The range of operational tasks that the PROTECTOR system can perform includes transporting ammunition and equipment, casualty evacuation, serving as a platform for robotic weapon stations, mobile electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) equipment, among others.

The payload capacity of this remotely operated platform is up to 700 kg. The operational range is up to 400 km. The vehicle features a powerful internal combustion engine and offers excellent off-road capability. The all-wheel drive system facilitates overcoming significant obstacles and water crossings, and RunFlat tires ensure continued mobility even when damaged. 

“This is essentially a new branch in the development of ground robotic systems—a full-sized unmanned vehicle. It provides new opportunities for our warriors, particularly the ability to carry out dangerous tasks without risking personnel. It is essential that technologies move closer to the trenches, ensuring innovative tools of warfare increasingly support and work for our warriors. We have to reinforce platoon strongpoints with robotic systems as much as possible,” noted Deputy Minister of Defence Valerii Churkin.

A reminder to defense equipment manufacturers: helpful information on the procedure for codifying new models of weapons and military equipment is available here.