The Ministry of Defense has codified and authorized for operational use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine the “Zmiy Mini Strike (Udarnyi)” ground-based reconnaissance and strike robotic system, developed by a Ukrainian manufacturer. It was reported by the Ministry of Defense, according to the Ukrainian News agency.
According to the report, this ground drone has the following advantages: a high-speed wheeled chassis with enhanced off-road capabilities; a silent, high-performance electric motor; quick deployment and stowage times; long autonomous operation time; significant range; daytime and thermal imaging surveillance cameras; compact dimensions; and low weight.
In addition, the “Zmiy Mini Strike” ground robot is versatile in its applications. It fits in the trunk of a minivan, a car trailer, or the bed of a pickup truck. Transporting the platform does not require any additional equipment.
The platform is equipped with a combat module featuring an MK19 grenade launcher, which is distinguished by the high kinetic energy of its ammunition, the versatility of its rounds, and the ability to deliver precise fire from covered positions. At the same time, any other combat module equipped with infantry weapons can be mounted on the UGV.
The Ministry of Defense reports that the Defense Procurement Agency has already contracted for more than 22,000 UGVs for the Defense Forces for 2026, which is nearly twice as many as for the entire previous year.
In addition, since the beginning of 2026, the Ministry of Defense has certified and authorized the use of 72 new UAVs in the Ukrainian Defense Forces, all of which are Ukrainian-made—a 20% increase compared to the entire year of 2025.
The Ministry of Defense notes that ground drones continue to play an increasingly important role on the battlefield, replacing military personnel in the most challenging sections of the front. In June 2026, units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out more than 16,600 logistics and evacuation missions using ground-based robotic systems.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 25,000 ground-based robotic systems had already been contracted for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces—twice as many as in 2025.
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