Ukrainian Nemesis operators destroyed three high-value Russian air defense systems in a month. The fighters, part of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS), reported on the successful operation via social media, emphasizing that innovative technologies were used to strike the targets.
Destroyed systems and their value
“We burned three enemy air defense installations worth $80–90 million,” the statement reads.
In August, the 412th Nemesis Regiment’s soldiers took down two Tor-M2 SAM systems, a Buk-M3 launcher, and the radar of a Buk-M2 system, which is known as “chupa-chups.”
The Ukrainian Nemesis operation. Source: Nemesis
Tor-M2 and Buk: capabilities
Tor-M2 is a Russian short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect military and strategic targets from aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles.
Its engagement range is 12–15 km, altitude up to 10 km, and targets moving at speeds up to 1,000 m/s. The system carries 16 9M338K missiles and can simultaneously engage four targets out of over 40 detected.
The Buk is also a Russian medium-range SAM system capable of destroying aerodynamic aerial targets, tactical ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
The Ukrainian Nemesis operation. Source: Nemesis
Innovations and secret SBS technologies
“The enemy changes tactics, tries to stop us, hides but in vain. Our retaliation always reaches its target,” the defenders noted.
They added that the strike footage remains unpublished to protect their innovative solutions, but promised to release it in the future.
A new Ukrainian military robot is rolling out. Oboronka news site reports that the 4-ton ground drone named “Bufalo” is diesel-powered, armored, and built for AI-assisted frontline logistics and demining.
Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, dominated by aerial drones, robotic ground platforms are becoming more common on the battlefield. Used for demining, cargo delivery, evacuation, and engineering, they now range from light electric types to new heavy diesel models. Bufalo, developed by an undisclosed Ukrainian company, enters this heavier category.
Bufalo: Ukraine’s new diesel-driven ground drone for war
Bufalo’s key advantage is its diesel engine. Fuel tanks can be scaled by mission, giving it a range of 100–200 km without battery swaps. Developers say electric drones can’t meet today’s longer frontlines.
“Electric drones cannot cover the distance to deliver provisions and ammunition to the front,” said company head Vladyslav.
Built for real combat conditions
Bufalo’s chassis is armored with European steel. It withstands any bullet and indirect 152 mm artillery if shells land beyond 100 meters. Even if damaged, its wheels remain operational.
The drone uses Starlink with GPS or a radio link for communications. A CRPA antenna protects satellite signal from jamming. If Starlink fails or is disabled, a relay-equipped drone can take over the signal.
It weighs about 4 tons, moves up to 20 km/h, and stays low to the ground for stealth. Its engine is powerful enough to haul cargo or tow stuck vehicles—cutting time and risk for troops.
AI-driven navigation, but no killer robot
Bufalo uses onboard cameras to detect obstacles up to 15 meters away, suggest safe routes, and stop if needed. Navigation is assisted by AI, but decisions stay human-controlled.
“The robot can lock onto and follow a target, but it will not make decisions to destroy equipment or people. I will never allow it to make decisions in place of a human…” said Vladyslav.
From failure to battlefield resilience
The idea for Bufalo came after a drone prototype failed a demo—losing a wheel and flipping. A soldier dismissed the tech, pushing Vladyslav to start from scratch. His new team asked the General Staff for requirements and collected feedback from frontline units.
Requests included smoke grenades, armored wheels, a shielded bottom to resist mines, and Starlink integration. All were implemented.
Bufalo 4-ton ground drone deploying smoke during trials in open terrain. The armored chassis and low profile are clearly visible. Photo via mezha.media
Timeline and domestic focus
The Bufalo project launched in January 2025. From March to August, the team built and tested the demining version. That kit includes the drone, a hydraulic system, mulcher, control panel, and trailer.
Developers say Bufalo is 70% Ukrainian-made, using domestic electronics and optics. The rest comes from EU suppliers. Price details remain undisclosed.
What’s next for Bufalo?
Bufalo is modular and may get combat features soon. The team is exploring weapon modules and engineering tools like remote trenching scoops. An 11-channel radio jamming system has passed tests and is ready for integration.
“We’re building an infrastructurally simple drone, so one control system can be removed and another installed. We’ve made understandable communication interfaces. The EW manufacturer just needs to provide a connector—we’ll plug it in and it’ll work automatically,” said Vladyslav.
The team plans an official presentation, followed by codification and production. Initial output will be 10 drones per month, with plans to scale.
Ukraine has already redefined modern warfare with Operation Spiderweb. In the course of the mission, Kyiv used drone swarms, surprisingly unleashed from trucks in Russia, to destroy its aircraft. Now, it has gone even further in its technological developments.
The operation has reshaped global perceptions of non-nuclear deterrence, as players now have received an instrument for how to incinerate elements of the nuclear triad, without actually possessing long-range missiles.
In Donetsk Oblast, at an old Soviet warehouse, Ukrainian engineers are assembling ground-based unmanned systems. They deliver ammunition, food, and medical supplies, evacuate the wounded, and carry out assault operations, Forbes reports.
Drones resilient to Russian jammers
Teams are upgrading standard drones with digital communication channels, such as Starlink and LTE, which allow them to bypass Russian electronic warfare systems.
“The conditions on the ground dictate their own rules, and we have to convert all drones to digital control,” explains engineer Oleksandr.
Also, fully robotic assaults have already been recorded on the Ukrainian front lines. The battle took place near the village of Lyptsi, north of Kharkiv, in 2024. During the clash, Russian positions were destroyed solely by unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and FPV drones.
A robot under fire instead of a soldier
Ground drones act as communication relays and even as platforms for electronic warfare.
“The drone drives up to a trench or dugout, releases the load, and leaves,” he adds.
Ukraine — a global leader in military robotics
According to Army Technology, up to 80% of Russian losses on the battlefield are now caused by drones. Russia is also developing its own systems, but Ukraine is ahead due to volunteer initiatives and decentralized solutions.
“Ukrainian engineers are creating the future of warfare, not just for Ukraine, but for the world,” emphasizes Liuba Shypovych, CEO of Dignitas Ukraine.
Starting 1 December, Denmark will begin producing solid rocket fuel for Ukraine’s new cruise missiles, Danmarks Radio reports.
Flamingo missile, which has been unleashed by Fire Point company in the end of August 2025, has a flight range exceeding 3,000 km and has a 1,150 kg warhead. Currently, Ukraine regards multibillion-dollar arms buildup program, funded by Europe as the best way to defend itself from Russia amid reduced American aid and uncertainty over Western security guarantees.
Plant near F-35 airbase
The Ukrainian company FPRT, a part of Fire Point, will establish a new plant near Skrydstrup Airbase, home to the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-35 fighters. This location will provide quick access to advanced military technologies and integration into national defense.
On 3 September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy came with the visit to Denmark. During a briefing with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, he confirmed that Ukraine was building a production facility for the country’s drones and missiles.
Solid Fuel Technology
Ukraine’s Flamingo cruise missile uses solid rocket fuel, which ignites instantly, provides stable combustion, and does not require fueling before launch, unlike liquid fuel.
Large-scale project for national defense
The company has already received a Danish CVR number and launched a website with information about the project. FPRT plans to build modern production facilities in Vojens, while qualification and operational testing will take place at specialized sites outside the plant.
“Our activities are aimed at supporting programs that are vital for Denmark’s national defense,” the FPRT website states.
Russia may help China prepare for a new war. Moscow is transferring technologies to Beijing to develop a command-and-control system for amphibious operations, codenamed Sword. DefenseMirror reports that analysts believe this could be a part of preparation for a Taiwan invasion and an attempt to stretch Western forces to different conflicts across the globe.
In June 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the EU’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas that Beijing cannot allow Russia to lose in its war against Ukraine. According to him, this could divert the US military efforts and make the Americans focus on China.
Rosoboronexport’s contract with China
In June 2024, Russian arms exporterRosoboronexport signed a €4.284 million contract with China’s CETC International.
Moscow is supplying technical documentation for a troop management system covering both hardware and software: command-and-staff vehicles, communications systems, field command posts, amphibious combat vehicles, and personal equipment.
Real-time coordination
The system is designed to ensure seamless data transfer and real-time coordination at all levels, from corps command to individual soldiers.
Sword will be integrated into Chinese CSK131A Dongfeng Mengshi armored vehicles. It will display friendly and enemy positions and direct artillery and air support via digital tablets.
Earlier, General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, suggested that the US and the EU countries might have no more than 18 months to prepare for a potential coordinated attack from China and Russia.
Training the PLA
According to the leak, prototypes are being built and tested at training grounds. Meanwhile, 60 PLA soldiers are undergoing instruction: 152 hours of lectures, 130 group sessions, and 150 practical exercises with R-187VE, R-188E, and InmarSat-BGAN Explorer 727 radios. Part of the training is held at the Tulatotchmash plant, using simulators.
Connexion
