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- War in Ukraine
Ground Drones in Training with Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade
“Requesting evacuation via drone!” The crackle of radio chatter cuts through the air as a metal beast rumbles to life, its wheels grinding against rubble. The ground drone may look like nothing more than a metal box on wheels, but for Ukrainian soldiers, it’s a lifeline.
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![Vlada_Toporkova]( "Vlada Toporkova")
Our reporter is crouched beside soldiers from Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade’s NOVA Company, watching as the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) “TerMIT” rolls out on its mission: delivering ammunition to the front and bringing back the fallen—without risking a single human life. Nearby, another robot, “Zmiy-500,” waits like a coiled serpent, ready to take the payload further toward the zero line.
This is just training—for now. But even here, in a designated training ground, the weight of full protective gear is a constant reminder: this is still a war zone.
Ground drones like these have only been on the battlefield for a short while, but they are already making valuable contributions. This is modern warfare, where machines are taking over the deadliest jobs to save soldiers’ lives.
Both machines are built for rugged frontline conditions. TerMIT, weighing around 300 kg, can carry up to 400 kg—sometimes even pulling half a ton—while powered by dual 2 kW motors. Simple yet efficient, its design allows quick battery swaps, and every infantryman in the brigade is trained to use it. Zmiy-500 is larger at 700 kg, with a range of over 40 kilometers and a carrying capacity of 400-500 kg. Its solid metal wheels, reinforced with foam to prevent clogging, are resistant to anti-infantry mines, allowing it to navigate dangerous terrain without fear of being disabled.
While these drones aren’t fast, their value lies in reducing the need for human soldiers to risk their lives transporting supplies or rescuing the wounded. As the brigade’s commander put it, the base models they receive are often basic, but through constant field modifications, they become indispensable assets tailored to the realities of modern warfare. With these advancements, Ukraine isn’t just defending its land—it’s shaping the future of combat.
Support and learn more about Nova Company of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade here.
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-46f6afa2f66d31ff3df8ea1a8f5524ec.jpg "Jess Daly")
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-5a646718cae8d76c7457deaec7ce37b2.jpg "Daniel Kosoy")
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