Ukraine's 'Protector' UGV Officially Deployed to Front Lines, Single Mission Can Supply Troops for One Week
Ukrainian defense firm Ukrainian Armor has deployed its Protector unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to the 429th Independent Unmanned Systems Brigade 'Achilles' for frontline logistics missions. The vehicle carries up to 700 kg officially—with troops reporting near one tonne in practice—has a control range of up to 12 km, integrates Starlink and the ICoMWare battlefield command network, and received Ukrainian Ministry of Defence certification in June 2025.
Highlights
- Ukrainian Armor has deployed its Protector UGV to the 429th Independent Unmanned Systems Brigade 'Achilles' for frontline logistics missions in active combat zones.
- The Protector carries an official payload of 700 kg, but troops report it routinely hauls close to one tonne—sufficient to supply a frontline unit for one week per mission.
- Encrypted remote control reaches 12 km in open terrain; the vehicle also integrates Starlink and Ukraine's ICoMWare battlefield command-and-control network.
- Run-flat tires allow the Protector to continue operating after wheel damage, enhancing survivability during contested resupply runs.
- The Protector debuted at Poland's MSPO 2024 defence exhibition and received Ukrainian Ministry of Defence service certification in June 2025.
Ukraine's Protector UGV Officially Deployed for Frontline Resupply Missions
Ukrainian defense technology company Ukrainian Armor has formally deployed its Protector unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to the 429th Independent Unmanned Systems Brigade 'Achilles', tasking it with frontline logistics and resupply operations in high-intensity combat environments.
Vehicle Specifications
The Protector measures 5.07 m in length, 1.9 m in width, and 1.09 m in height—roughly equivalent in footprint to a light truck. It is powered by a 190-horsepower diesel engine capable of reaching speeds of 50 to 90 km/h depending on terrain conditions.
The official maximum payload rating is 700 kg; however, soldiers from the 429th Brigade report that in actual missions the vehicle routinely carries close to one tonne of food, ammunition, and equipment—enough to sustain a frontline unit for up to one week in a single resupply run.
Communications and Command Integration
Operators control the Protector remotely via an encrypted communications system, with an effective control range of 12 km in open terrain and approximately 7 km in complex or cluttered environments.
The vehicle is additionally equipped with a Starlink satellite communications terminal to provide communication redundancy, and has been integrated into Ukraine's ICoMWare battlefield command-and-control network, enabling it to function as part of a broader tactical system rather than as a standalone platform.
Survivability Features
The Protector is fitted with run-flat tires, allowing it to continue operating even after sustaining wheel damage—a design choice that significantly enhances battlefield survivability during contested resupply missions.
Development History and Service Certification
The Protector made its public debut at the MSPO Defence Exhibition in Poland in 2024, and formally received certification for service from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in June 2025.
Sources and images: Ukrainian Armor Facebook, NV video screenshots, as reported by Militarnyi.
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