Ukraine has demonstrated a new battlefield tactic by using a heavy-lift drone to transport a ground combat robot behind enemy lines, in what is being described as the first known attack involving a drone carrying an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).
The operation involved a heavy-lift drone transporting an ARK-1 unmanned ground vehicle equipped with an anti-tank mine. The approach, described as a “marsupial” tactic, allows one uncrewed system to carry another into areas that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous for smaller robotic platforms to access.
Military analysts say the development highlights the growing integration of multiple autonomous systems, enabling forces to carry out operations while reducing the exposure of human soldiers.
The concept has been explored by the United States military for years but had largely remained at the experimental stage. Ukraine has now demonstrated its use in combat, expanding the operational possibilities of drone-carrier systems.
The tactic also addresses the mobility limitations of smaller first-person view (FPV) drones. Ukraine has previously tested several “mothership” drones capable of transporting and releasing smaller drones closer to their targets.
In addition, the country has developed ground robots capable of launching FPV drones and unmanned surface vessels that function as floating drone carriers for attack and interception missions.
Ukrainian engineer Eduard Trotsenko, founder of robotics company Temerland, said the rapid advancement of battlefield robotics has been driven by the need to reduce casualties among soldiers.
“In order to save human lives, to save soldiers, there must be robots,” Trotsenko told AFP.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has built a thriving domestic drone industry, with aerial drones widely used for reconnaissance and strike missions, while ground robots increasingly handle logistics, supply deliveries and casualty evacuations.
Trotsenko, who previously manufactured electric vehicle charging stations, shifted to military robotics after the outbreak of the war. His company develops ground drones designed to operate in highly dangerous areas between opposing forces, where troops are constantly threatened by drones and artillery.
While many of the robots currently focus on evacuating wounded soldiers and transporting supplies, Trotsenko said combat variants are also under development, including models fitted with RPG launchers and heavy machine guns. Some of these systems are already undergoing field testing with Ukrainian brigades.
A Ukrainian military commander identified only by the call sign “Jason” said the greatest advantage of robotic systems is their ability to replace soldiers in high-risk missions.
“You can afford to lose a drone, but not a person. The probability of human losses there is reduced,” he said.
Ukraine’s expansion of military robotics has also been supported by former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who established the Defence AI Center A1 to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into military operations and strengthen cooperation between the armed forces and private technology companies.
According to Trotsenko, much of Ukraine’s progress has come from grassroots innovation rather than government direction, with engineers working closely with frontline troops to rapidly refine new technologies based on battlefield experience.
Despite the advances, military officials say a shortage of trained personnel remains a major challenge to expanding the use of unmanned systems.
Looking ahead, Trotsenko believes future conflicts could involve remotely operated humanoid robots controlled by personnel located far from the battlefield.
“Things have really taken off,” he said.