Ukraine's Defense Ministry has officially approved the new domestically produced unmanned ground vehicle, known as the Termit, for front-line use, the ministry announced on June 21.

The tracked robot is a next-generation version of Ukraine's existing ground-based unmanned systems already deployed across the front. These systems have supported operations by transporting supplies, conducting reconnaissance, and carrying explosives in contested areas.

Termit, the newest model in the series, features improved mobility and modularity. The drone can carry up to 300 kilograms and operates on various terrains thanks to its low profile, tracked design, and improved weight distribution.

Its traction battery system allows for several hours of continuous movement over dozens of kilometers. According to the Defense Ministry, Termit drones can be equipped with combat modules, used for medical evacuations, or for transporting specialized equipment as needed.

Ground drones such as Termit are being used more frequently to minimize soldier exposure to front-line risks. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Kyiv has prioritized the development of unmanned systems across all domains — air, sea, and land.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the production of at least 30,000 long-range drones in 2025, alongside expanded investment in strike-capable hybrids such as the Palianytsia and Peklo missile-drone platforms.

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The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

A drone strike sparked a fire at a defense contractor in Cheboksary, Chuvashia Republic, forcing the facility to halt production of military equipment used by Russian forces in Ukraine.

AT “VNDIR-Progress” suspended operations after two drones struck the facility, according to Chuvash Republic head Oleg Nikolaev. The company manufactures “Kometa” satellite signal receivers that help Russian military drones evade Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, Telegram channel Astra reports.

“Two UAVs fell on the territory of AT ‘VNDIR’, which led to a decision to temporarily halt production to ensure employee safety,” Nikolaev said on Telegram. “One more drone each fell in fields of Cheboksary and Krasnoarmeysky municipal districts – there is no threat to people.”

The official made no mention of fire damage at the plant, noting only that there were no casualties and “all services are working in enhanced mode.”

However, Astra published photos and videos showing flames engulfing sections of the factory complex. The facility is located over 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine.

AT “VNDIR-Progress” operates as part of the “ABS Electro” manufacturing group. According to the company website, it develops and produces “scientific and technical products, software and hardware systems, automation and control systems, electrical products, electronic component base, electronic modules and radio-electronic products.”

Astra reports the plant specifically manufactures “Kometa/Kometa M” family satellite signal receivers for Russian armed forces. These devices enable Russian military units to circumvent Ukrainian electronic warfare capabilities.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed air defenses destroyed and intercepted 49 Ukrainian unmanned aircraft overnight. The ministry reported shooting down 13 drones each over Kursk and Nizhny Novgorod oblasts, nine each over Voronezh and Orel oblasts, two each over Bryansk Oblast and Chuvash Republic, and one over Belgorod Oblast.

On the night of 9 June, authorities imposed temporary flight restrictions at four Russian airports while explosions echoed through Cheboksary.