Ukraine unveiled a new robotic battlefield platform — a ground drone, capable of transporting over 2 tons of cargo, navigating without GPS, and supporting both logistics and direct combat roles, Ukrainian defense news site Militarnyi reports.

Ukraine presents VATAG heavy robotic ground system

On 16 September 2025, Ukraine officially introduced the VATAG heavy NRK — “robotic ground complex,” a multifunctional platform designed to support troops on the battlefield across a range of tasks. The system can carry more than 2 tons of payload, powered by a hybrid propulsion system that enables autonomous operation and high fuel efficiency, Militarnyi says.

The drone is built to handle a diverse set of missions — from logistics transport and engineering duties to direct participation in combat operations. According to the developers, VATAG’s features include a silent mode for covert missions, the ability to operate as a mobile powerbank for frontline units, and built-in resistance to electronic warfare.

Designed for the battlefield — not just the backend

The VATAG platform goes beyond transport. It integrates armament options, including a proprietary 25 mm combat module revealed alongside the system. This allows the robot to actively support armed engagements, not just logistical functions.

Its architecture reportedly enables autonomous navigation without relying on GPS, using convoy mode and obstacle avoidance to move through contested environments. This allows it to support forces even in areas under heavy jamming or in need of stealth movement. The system’s hybrid power unit improves fuel efficiency.

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The drone reportedly includes software-hardware solutions powered by artificial intelligence that enhance its autonomous capabilities.

Militarnyi says the system was developed by an international robotics and drone company with 11 years of experience, already having a manufacturing base capable of launching full-scale production and adapting components to meet customer requirements rapidly.

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems is expanding operations into the United Kingdom, launching a new military drone production factory and training site. The company, which produces eight types of drones for military and civilian use, said production at the UK site will start in 2026. 

Norwich Evening News reports that the company will build an 11,000 m² factory in Mildenhall, a small town in eastern England, part of the Suffolk county, along with a testing and training center in Elmsett about 70 km away, creating hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships. The total investment will reach £200 million (approximately $250 million) over the next three years.

According to Ukrspecsystems, the drones will not only be built and tested in Britain, but operators will also be trained in tactics rooted in Ukraine’s battlefield experience.

“Ukrspecsystems is proud to be the first Ukrainian company to commit to a funded plan to invest in infrastructure, jobs and skills in the UK,” said Rory Chamberlain, the UK managing director for Ukrspecsystems. “Our factory at Mildenhall and flight test and training facility at Elmsett are testament to this commitment.”

Targeting laid-off workers from the UK’s collapsing auto industry

The plant’s opening comes as 550 workers at the Lotus sports car plant in Hethel, also in eastern England, face redundancy. Ukrspecsystems has expressed interest in hiring from this experienced engineering pool, and local authorities have welcomed the opportunity to redirect skilled workers into defense technology roles.

The support package includes help with job placement, financial and mental health support, and small business assistance. Job seekers will be connected with engineering vacancies, including those at the new drone plant, and offered free retraining courses. Pop-up outreach vehicles will be deployed to the Lotus site and a space reserved at the Hethel Engineering Centre.

Ukrspecsystems drones are not only of interest to the UK. In April 2025, a Shark reconnaissance drone produced by the company was spotted during testing in the Czech Republic, suggesting broader European cooperation and growing demand for Ukrainian-developed battlefield technologies.

Ukraine’s new guided bomb was spotted at the Defence Cooperation Forum. Future Warfare held in Kyiv on 24 August. As Ukrainian authorities were showing their latest innovations to their Western allies, the compact aerial bomb attracted attention from Defense Express experts.

Domestic innovation on the international stage

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the presentation, reviewing the newest developments from Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex.

The experts noted that the new bomb closely resembles the Turkish MAM-L, long used with Bayraktar TB2 drones.

Features of the Ukrainian air bomb

• Stabilizers and control surfaces are similar to the MAM-L.
• A protruding top section, likely for pylon attachment.
• The rear section includes a unique module absent in the Turkish version.
• The texture of the body and stabilizers suggest the possibility of 3D printing production.

Specifications still under wraps

Detailed technical data remain unknown, but analysts expect the new munition to significantly enhance the effectiveness of Ukraine’s airstrikes.