Changing the course of war: the new Ukrainian H-UGV VATAG with combat and logistics functionality presented at Defense Tech Valley 2025

The Ukrainian ground robotic system is capable of performing “heavy” logistics, engineering tasks, casualty evacuation, and direct-fire missions under conditions of combat contact. This multifunctional platform—featuring integrated artificial intelligence, a hybrid powertrain, and an adaptive architecture—is series-production ready and establishes a unique class of systems able to accomplish the full spectrum of battlefield tasks.

The technology was first unveiled on September 16, 2025, at one of the largest events in the field of defense technologies — Defense Tech Valley 2025, organized by Brave1. With more than 5,000 participants from around the world — including investors, engineers, defense agencies, think tanks, and leaders of the dual-use innovation sector — attention was drawn to the advanced multifunctional H-UGV VATAG, designed to save lives by transferring high-risk processes to robotic systems. One of the platform’s key features is its modularity, combining deep AI integration, machine learning technologies, a focus on autonomy, resilience in complex environments, and interoperability with existing assets of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

• 

• 

Functionality shaping a new doctrine

VATAG has been designed to operate in environments where conventional equipment and personnel are exposed to high risks. The platform is capable of transporting over 2 tons of payload, providing fire support during assault or defensive operations, and delivering unit support in fully autonomous mode.

VATAG has been developed as the foundation of an H-UGV ecosystem, which already includes a proprietary universal combat module (a 25-mm automatic cannon), as well as integrated software-and-hardware solutions enabling autonomous behavioral decision-making.

“We are designing an H-UGV-class platform that integrates into complex combat environments and adapts to tasks that change in real time. Our aim is to save as many lives as possible and to minimize risks to personnel. For this reason, our roadmap includes increasing the platform’s payload capacity, improving interoperability with existing systems, and expanding operational scenarios,” said the Head of Project Development.

In particular, the current technological capabilities of the VATAG platform include:

• Hybrid powertrain: provides high energy efficiency, low fuel consumption, and the ability to operate in a “silent” mode — on electric propulsion only — for covert movement. The powertrain can also serve as a mobile power platform to support communications, power onboard systems, and sustain logistical operations in the field.

• Communications and EW resilience: the platform is already equipped with multichannel, redundant communication systems featuring automatic optimal-channel selection. This ensures uninterrupted telemetry and command-and-control links even under active electronic-warfare (EW) conditions.

• Autonomous navigation in GPS-denied environments: capability for automatic route planning, obstacle avoidance, and convoy/column movement (convoy mode) has been implemented. The engineering team continues to advance these functions to increase autonomy and robustness in complex operational environments.

• Combat capabilities: the range of weapon configurations is being expanded, including integration of universal combat modules that can be adapted to different mission profiles.

• 

• 

VATAG is being developed as a standalone project of an international company with 11 years of expertise in robotics and drone technologies. Its in-house production facilities and competencies for large-scale serial manufacturing ensure the project’s readiness for rapid deployment and component localization according to customer requirements. The platform is currently available for demonstrations and pilot implementations.