President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered a major expansion in the production and deployment of ground robotic systems, setting a target of at least 50,000 units for Ukraine’s military this year.
Speaking after a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Zelensky described unmanned ground systems as the “next major step” in warfare, following the widespread use of drones.
“It is already impossible to imagine defense without drones – and the same applies to ground robotic systems,” he said, adding that they are crucial for logistics, evacuating wounded soldiers and combat operations.
Zelensky said the defense minister and General Staff have been tasked with meeting the target, stressing that such systems are “about protecting lives.” He noted that contracts for ground robotic systems this year already exceed last year’s volume by more than twofold, but said production must continue to grow.