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Ukraine Converts US-Made Humvees Into Satellite-Controlled Unmanned Vehicles
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Ukraine has begun deploying US-made HMMWVs converted into remotely operated ground vehicles, allowing military units to use existing vehicles for missions without placing a driver onboard.
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Three modified HMMWVs equipped with the Ukrainian-developed Kaban remote-control system have already been delivered to military units, according to Defence Blog on August 31.
The vehicles were transferred to Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Achilles,” and the 49th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Developed by Ukrainian company Drone Fight Group, Kaban is designed to turn conventional military vehicles into remotely operated platforms rather than requiring the development of dedicated unmanned ground vehicles.
The system allows an operator to control the vehicle’s movement as well as its lights, infrared illumination, searchlights, two-way audio communications, and onboard computer systems from a remote location.
According to Defence Blog, Kaban uses satellite connectivity, potentially allowing operators to control vehicles at considerably greater distances than systems dependent on short-range radio links. The actual operating distance depends on network availability and mission conditions.
The control interface also incorporates a digital map for planning routes and placing navigation markers. Operators can manually correct the vehicle’s navigation if satellite positioning is disrupted by GPS jamming or spoofing, while a predicted trajectory display assists with maneuvering.
A built-in fail-safe automatically stops the vehicle if communication with the operator is lost.
“Our goal is not simply to make a vehicle drive remotely,” said David, the system’s lead developer. “We are building a system that gives an operator enough information and control to confidently perform real missions from a safer location.”
“That includes vehicle systems, navigation, communications, fail-safe behavior, and the ability to adapt the platform to different operational requirements.”
The technology is intended for missions including logistics, battlefield resupply, evacuation, and reconnaissance support where deploying a crew inside the vehicle would create additional risk. Drone Fight Group says the platform can also accommodate specialized equipment, including net launchers and systems for deploying drones.
In June, Ukraine also unveiled a remotely operated version of the Soviet-era BRDM-2 armored vehicle. The modernized BRDM-2M uses technology developed by Estonian company Telearmy, allowing operators to remotely control steering, braking, throttle, transmission, and weapon systems via mobile networks, satellite internet, or radio communications.
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