Ukraine's 425th Assault Regiment Converts Novator Armored Vehicle into Unmanned Ground Combat Robot
Engineers from Ukraine's Skelya Brigade (425th Independent Assault Regiment) have successfully converted a Novator 4×4 armored vehicle into a remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Built on a Ford chassis and weighing approximately 9 tonnes with a top speed of 140 km/h, the vehicle can now be operated without crew for high-risk frontline missions, reducing soldier casualties.
Highlights
- Ukraine's Skelya Brigade (425th Independent Assault Regiment) converted a Novator 4×4 armored vehicle into a remotely operated UGV capable of crewless frontline operations.
- The Novator is built on a Ford chassis, weighs approximately 9 tonnes, and reaches a top road speed of 140 km/h with modular armor protection.
- The converted vehicle supports assault unit missions in high-risk environments, reducing soldier casualties by eliminating the need for onboard crew.
- This conversion is part of Ukraine's accelerating battlefield robotization program, which has expanded rapidly since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The Novator's standard configuration supports optional remote weapon stations (RWS), making it a versatile platform for armed UGV applications.
According to Ukrainian military outlet Militarnyi, engineers from Ukraine's Skelya Brigade (425th Independent Assault Regiment) have successfully converted a Novator armored vehicle into a remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), marking another step forward in Ukraine's ongoing battlefield robotization efforts.
Background: The Novator Armored Vehicle
The Novator is a Ukrainian-built 4×4 armored vehicle constructed on a Ford chassis, widely used for infantry transport and special operations support. Its standard configuration features the following key specifications:
- Weight: Approximately 9 tonnes
- Top road speed: Up to 140 km/h
- Protection level: Modular armor capable of withstanding small arms fire and fragmentation
- Armament integration: Compatible with optional remote weapon stations (RWS)
Conversion Details and Operational Role
According to Militarnyi's report, Skelya Brigade engineers integrated a remote control system into the Novator, enabling the vehicle to be operated without any crew on board. The modification effectively transforms the armored vehicle into a ground robotic platform designed for frontline missions deemed too dangerous for personnel.
The converted Novator is expected to support assault unit operations on the front lines, providing a remotely operated, armor-protected mobile platform in highly contested environments — significantly reducing soldiers' exposure to danger zones.
Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Drive Continues to Accelerate
This case is the latest example of Ukraine's military actively converting existing equipment into unmanned systems. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian forces have invested heavily in the development and deployment of drones and ground robots, demonstrating a rapid-iteration approach to military technology adaptation.
Image source: Screenshot from 425th Regiment video Source: Militarnyi
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