CRAB-LS Robotic Transporter Enters Service with Ukraine’s Defense Forces

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially accepted the domestically produced CRAB-LS robotic ground transporter for operation within the country’s defense forces as of December 18. The platform has successfully undergone codification, marking its readiness for deployment.

The CRAB-LS (Life Saver) is primarily designed for logistical support tasks. It is capable of delivering essential supplies, ammunition, and equipment to frontline positions, as well as evacuating wounded personnel.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the platform has already been used in active military operations, successfully evacuating dozens of injured soldiers and transporting essential supplies such as ammunition and food in high-intensity combat zones.

In addition to its logistical capabilities, the CRAB-LS can be equipped with combat modules, enabling its use in various operational contexts. The military version of the platform, known as CRAB-M, is designed for reconnaissance and assault missions.

It can be fitted with a weapon module, which includes a PKT machine gun and an RPG-7 grenade launcher, as well as the ability to conduct remote mine laying and demining operations. The CRAB-M platform has a combat radius of 1.5 kilometers and can operate for up to 4 hours continuously with a range of 25 kilometers.

The CRAB-LS is equipped with a silent, high-torque electric motor and all-terrain tires, allowing it to navigate through challenging environments, including sandy embankments, swampy areas, shallow trenches, and other obstacles.

The Ministry of Defense also highlighted the platform’s adaptability, mentioning that it has been successfully deployed as a ground-based suicide drone in certain instances.

The CRAB-LS is remotely controlled by an operator using specialized FPV goggles or a dedicated control panel. This capability ensures precision and efficiency in both logistical and combat-related tasks.

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed in a December 2 interview that the country plans to deploy tens of thousands of uncrewed robotic ground vehicles (UGVs) to the frontlines in 2025.

These UGVs will be used for transporting supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers, and supporting autonomous drone operations. Fedorov also confirmed that Ukraine is developing AI-powered drones capable of autonomous targeting, with plans to produce 30,000 long-range attack drones in 2025.