Drone warfare in Ukraine: unprecedented ground robot and naval drone operations
Three key stories: April 11 - 23, 2026
A record-breaking week for Ukraine: an interceptor drone launched from 2,000 km away; the first successful strike on a Shahed by an interceptor deployed from a naval drone; and ground robots capturing positions and accepting Russian surrenders. This is how Ukraine’s novel use of unmanned systems is setting new precedents and attracting growing international interest in partnership.
In this edition:
Ukrainian and Russian Ground Robots Have Already Met in Combat: Ratel Robotics;
Ukraine Introduces Universal Ground Control Station for Fiber-Optic FPVs;
Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Shahed from an Unmanned Boat;
and 5+ additional developments in drone warfare in Ukraine and Russia!
Tomorrow (April 25th), I’m launching a new section of my newsletter: a 2-page weekly brief on unmanned tech developments in Ukraine and Russia for those who want to save time on long reads. This week’s edition will be open access; future issues will be available to founding members only. Consider subscribing!
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Ukrainian and Russian Ground Robots Have Already Met in Combat: Ratel Robotics
On April 13, President Zelensky stated that, for the first time in the war, an enemy position had been captured exclusively by unmanned platforms—ground robots and aerial drones. Russians surrendered, and the operation was carried out without the involvement of infantry and without any Ukrainian casualties.
While this announcement has attracted significant media attention, it remains unclear which specific operation the President was referring to. Since summer 2025, there have been reports of multiple operations conducted solely by unmanned systems. And in January 2026, a video circulated showing several Russian occupiers surrendering to a ground robot.
More than 20 Ukrainian military units now have dedicated divisions specifically for ground drones, and they have privately reported that dozens of similar operations have already been conducted in different configurations.
Recently, it was announced that the Ministry of Defence will contract 25,000 ground robotic systems (UGVs) in the first half of 2026. In 2025, a total of 15,000 ground robots were contracted in Ukraine.
I’ve spoken with one of the top UGV producers in Ukraine—Ratel Robotics—whose Ratel line of robots was mentioned in the President’s speech—about the types of operations they expect to see on the battlefield in 2026 and the technological challenges they face.
Their product line features multiple ground complexes, including a Ratel H, a multi-purpose logistics drone designed for cargo transport and casualty evacuation. It has an operational range of over 50 km, a maximum travel distance of up to 60 km, and a payload capacity of up to 400 kg.
In April 2026, the company introduced the Nurse TB tracked unmanned ground vehicle developed for logistics missions and remote mining. Weighing 120 kilograms, the UGV has a claimed payload of 150 kilograms. In particular, it can transport up to six TM-62 anti-tank mines. The ground drone was equipped with an intelligent "follow me" system: thanks to its camera and target acquisition function, it can automatically follow the fighter.
“The main trend of 2026 is the transition of ground robotic systems from a supporting role to full-fledged combat participation. While previously UGVs were primarily seen as logistical tools, they are now becoming active participants in assault operations. In effect, we are witnessing a paradigm shift: the robot goes in first—while the human operates from a safe distance,” Taras Ostapchuk, CEO of Ratel Robotics, told Ukraine’s Arms Monitor.
One of the key areas here is strike platforms. Mining robots such as Ratel S have already demonstrated their effectiveness—they are capable of reaching detonation range against fortifications, dugouts, and crossings.
The next stage of this development includes:
integration of mortars;
installation of remotely operated turrets;
development of platforms for fire support and FPV protection.
This opens the door to a new tactical approach: the machine enters the position first, suppresses firing points, and after that, infantry can operate in significantly safer conditions.
At the same time, a parallel trend is emerging toward multi-role platforms capable of performing several functions simultaneously—from logistics to strike missions—depending on the installed module.
Importantly, logistical and evacuation platforms are not disappearing—on the contrary, they have already proven their effectiveness on the battlefield and remain a critical part of the ecosystem. Ammunition resupply, casualty evacuation, and position support are already being carried out at scale by UGVs, reducing risks to personnel.
Currently, approximately 80% of logistics tasks on the frontline in Ukraine are performed by ground drones, and Ukraine’s MoD aims to have 100% of frontline logistics handled by UGVs.
When asked whether, in 2026, we will see the first encounters between Russian and Ukrainian ground drones, Ratel Robotics explained that, despite the absence of publicly visible “robot duels” in the media, it is highly likely that the first combat contacts between Ukrainian and Russian UGVs have already occurred.