CaliToday (): KYIV, UKRAINE – Ukraine has introduced a new generation of robotic warfare with the debut of the VATAG heavy unmanned ground combat vehicle (H-UGV), a system that integrates artificial intelligence and advanced control technologies to perform a wide array of battlefield missions.
The formidable new platform was officially unveiled on September 16 at the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 summit, as reported by the publication Defense Express.
VATAG is engineered as a versatile, heavy robotic platform capable of carrying a payload of over two tons. Its developers emphasize that it can be deployed in direct combat roles, including armed engagement and weapons transport, as well as for complex logistics, engineering, and support tasks.
As described at the event, the vehicle is equipped with a hybrid engine system that combines fuel efficiency with operational endurance. The system can operate in a near-silent electric mode for stealthy maneuvers and doubles as a mobile power bank to sustain communications and battlefield logistics. Its AI-controlled integrated systems provide autonomous navigation and mission management functions, allowing the platform to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.
Anatoliy Nikitin, the head of the VATAG project, stated in a release to Defense Express that the development team's primary goal is to "save soldiers' lives by transferring dangerous processes to robotic systems." He explained that the platform’s design prioritizes autonomy, survivability, and interoperability with Ukraine's existing military hardware.
The company noted that VATAG serves as the foundation for a broader H-UGV ecosystem. This includes a domestically developed universal combat module armed with a 25mm autocannon, as well as AI-driven software and hardware solutions designed to expand autonomy from simple navigation to complex battlefield decision-making elements. The development roadmap aims for larger payload options, expanded compatibility with other systems, and scalability for diverse mission scenarios, Nikitin added.
To ensure resilience in contested environments, VATAG incorporates an advanced communications architecture. Multi-channel redundant links with automatic channel selection are integrated to maintain telemetry and control even under harsh electronic warfare (EW) conditions. Developers state these features ensure the robot remains mission-capable despite enemy attempts to disrupt its operations.
With its substantial payload capacity, modular design, and AI integration, VATAG represents Ukraine's intent to move beyond traditional unmanned ground vehicles toward fully-fledged robotic combat platforms. The system is designed to support light infantry, logistics units, and specialized formations, providing both suppressive firepower and critical force sustainment in contested zones.
The introduction of VATAG comes as autonomous systems increasingly shape modern military planning, particularly in high-risk environments where survivability and the reduction of human risk are paramount.
