Ukrainian experts are currently exploring concepts for ground-based robots to support soldiers in resisting Russia’s offensive war.
A promising model is the ground robot “UGV Sirko-S1,” with “UGV” standing for “unmanned ground vehicle.” According to reports, including those from Defense Express, the robot is currently in the testing phase. The UGV Sirko-S1 is primarily designed for transport tasks, such as delivering cargo and evacuating the wounded. The platform can carry up to 200 kilograms and is reportedly particularly suitable for transporting ammunition and supplies in contested areas, as reported by the German news website merkur.de.
Reports suggest that the developers also see potential for the robot in reconnaissance. It appears that scientists intend to expand its operational capabilities. Therefore, Sirko-S1 could be equipped with various modules for mine clearance or as an armed unit. Ukraine is already using a robot named “God’s Gift” for mine clearance and has also used a modified tractor in one case. The Sirko-S1 weighs a total of 275 kilograms (including load), has a maximum range of 5 kilometers, and a battery life of up to 2.5 hours. Its top speed is reportedly 14 kilometers per hour. Currently, up to 10 robots are being produced monthly in small-scale production.
Ground-based robot platforms are not yet widespread in comparison to other unmanned systems on the battlefield. However, the Ukrainian defense forces have successfully conducted tests and plan to regularly deploy such weapons in the future. Ukrainian Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that the Sirko-S1 has already “achieved successful results under combat conditions and received positive feedback from the military.”
Image: President.gov.ua, Зустріч Президента України з Федеральним канцлером Австрії 44 (cropped), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image size changed)
