Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has approved the Ukrainian-made “Murakha” (“Ant”) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for combat use, it announced on June 28.

Designed to support front-line units in tough conditions like enemy artillery fire and minefields, the tracked robotic platform can carry over half a ton of cargo across long distances and navigate rough terrain and shallow water.

It also has multiple control channels to maintain operation even in areas targeted by Russian electronic warfare, the Kyiv Independent has reported.

The approval is part of Ukraine’s broader push since 2024 to scale up production of UGVs to reduce human involvement on the battlefield, with roles ranging from combat support to evacuation and logistics.

Written by B.C. Begley