Ministry of Defense Introduces New Ukrainian Ground-Based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Protector into Military Units
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine recently officially approved and admitted to service in the Armed Forces a new domestic ground-based unmanned aerial vehicle Protector. This heavy robotic device is designed to increase the mobility, safety, and effectiveness of the Ukrainian military in various combat and logistics operations, regardless of terrain or weather conditions. Developed by a leading Ukrainian enterprise, the Protector complex was created taking into account the experience of Ukrainian military participants in anti-terrorist operations and combat operations in various regions of the country. Its main task is to ensure safer performance of operational tasks, reduce risks to the lives of soldiers, and increase operational flexibility during combat operations. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine officially codified this drone in its documents and allowed its use in the Armed Forces at the end of June, which opens up broad prospects for its use in various scenarios. This complex is a big step forward in the development of modern ground robotic systems. Protector has many applications: from transporting ammunition or military equipment, evacuating the wounded, to using it as a platform for installing robotic combat modules and mobile electronic warfare (EW) and radio liquid systems (REP). The platform has a payload capacity of up to 700 kg, and a range of up to 400 km, which allows it to operate at considerable distances. Equipped with a powerful internal combustion engine and high cross-country ability, Protector is able to overcome various complex obstacles and water obstacles. All-wheel drive and RunFlat wheels ensure stability during movement even in case of wheel damage, which is critically important in combat conditions. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that this drone is another link in the development of modern ground robotic systems - the so-called "full-size unmanned vehicles." According to Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin, this opens up new opportunities for our military, allowing them to perform dangerous tasks without risk to personnel. Churkin emphasized that technologies should be as close as possible to frontline realities and trench conditions so that innovative means of warfare work for the benefit of Ukraine's defenders and reduce potential losses. "It is important to strengthen the capabilities of our military with modern robotic systems so that they become reliable support in any combat scenarios," the deputy minister emphasized. In the context of international cooperation, a letter of intent was signed on June 27 in The Hague between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of Denmark. This document paves the way for joint production of Ukrainian weapons on Danish territory within the framework of the Build with Ukraine initiative, which was launched during previous meetings of the defense coalition in the Ramstein format. According to Ukrainian and Danish high-ranking officials, this cooperation will be an important step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities through the modernization of weapons production and strengthening technical cooperation. Minister Umerov noted that the new stage of partnership with Denmark will contribute not only to technological progress, but also to the strategic stability of the Ukrainian army. He expects that the joint production of Ukrainian weapons in Denmark will become an example of successful international cooperation, which will help Ukraine to equip its troops more quickly with modern and effective means of combat and increase its defense potential in difficult war conditions.