Ukraine has always been forward leaning in the field of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), and is now doubling down on the platform type with its third order from ARX Robotics for the Gereon. The procurements reflect Ukraine’s drive to remove personnel from the frontline as much as possible.
ARX Robotics has secured its third order from Ukraine for the company’s Gereon UGV which will become “the world’s largest military robotics fleet of several hundred systems,” the November 18th press release states. All of the Gereon UGVs are connected with the company’s Mithra operating system and will be produced in both Ukraine and Europe.
“Mithra connects sensors, autonomous functions, and open interfaces across all platforms. This improves response times, strengthens logistics and allows Ukraine to operate more robots together in coordinated missions,” the press release adds. This is an important point to emphasise as UGVs are aerial drones typically operate on a 1:1+ principle, meaning that at least one operator is required to fly one drone or drive a UGV.
This can preserve life by removing people from the most forward areas and dangerous jobs like artillery spotting, but it does not help a force generate more mass. A system that allows a small team of users to deploy multiple UGVs and UAVs in the same area or mission is therefore a valuable tool. It essentially enables the one to many paradigm that is core to ground-based autonomous platforms changing the way battles are fought.
“Manufacturing at our Ukrainian plant and working with local partners will accelerate fielding with the armed forces and ensure sustainment in service. We are building capacity and capability in Ukraine that will deliver value beyond this order,” Igor Kornilov, CEO of ARX Ukraine said in the press release.
It has been a busy time for ARX, and this announcement is the third such order for Ukraine. It also comes on the back of the company’s recently reported tests with Helsing, including a Gereon that was used as a forward reconnaissance screen for a long-range strike. The Gereon has also been developed into a combat variant equipped with a remote weapon station, and tested as a casualty evacuation platform.
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Ukraine is building and receiving a significant quantity of UGVs, which means it will serve as the proving ground for a lot of technology that has existed but has not gained traction. This includes over 150 THeMIS UGVs that were funded by the Dutch government, and the Ukrainian company Tencore, which reported its plans to produce over 2,000 TerMIT UGVs following the close of its latest funding round.
These efforts reflect a lot of what is happening on the battlefield, where forward areas are simply too dangerous for personnel to regularly drive to and from the frontline. Drone and artillery strikes frequently lead to casualties, and frequently cause casualties amongst the troops coming to recover them. Ukraine is developing defensive positions that are designed for UGVs as the primary occupants, using UGVs to conduct resupply and casualty evacuation, and has even used them in some limited assaults.
The role of the UGVs is important for Ukraine. If they work, they will help to preserve manpower, which is in short supply right now. Their use there will also feed back into other states that have considered UGVs for a long time, and the ways in which they could be used.
By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on November 20th, 2025. The lead image shows a Gereon from ARX Robotics being used to carry supplies. Credit: ARX Robotics.
