Ground Robotic Systems for the Frontline: Why Ukraine Needs Them

In modern warfare, logistics, evacuation, demining, and even combat missions are increasingly carried out not directly by people, but by robotic systems. That is why, within the PeoplesProject initiative, we pay special attention to ground robotic complexes (GRCs) — multifunctional platforms that are already changing approaches to warfare today. In this article, we explain what GRCs are, how they operate, and focus on three key models: the “Tarhan” GRC, the “Volia-E” GRC, and the “TerMIT” GRC — their characteristics, advantages, and role in the war in Ukraine.

What are ground robotic complexes?

Ground robotic complexes (GRCs) are remotely controlled or partially autonomous platforms designed to perform a wide range of tasks on land: delivery of supplies and ammunition, evacuation of the wounded, mining, demining, and fire support. Compared to aerial drones, GRCs have a key advantage: they can operate on rough terrain, overcome debris, trenches, mud, and forests — areas where trucks or people are exposed to danger.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, GRCs perform the following functions:

• Logistics — delivery of food, ammunition, and fuel to the front line when conventional routes are blocked.
• Evacuation — extraction of wounded personnel from “red zones” and mined areas where people cannot safely enter.
• Engineering / mining tasks — route clearing, installation of obstacles, mining and demining operations.
• Combat support — mounting turrets, machine guns, or grenade launchers on the platform and providing fire support without risking personnel.

Today, the role of such complexes is not merely auxiliary but strategic: they help reduce risks to soldiers’ lives while increasing mobility and response speed. As one engineer notes: “A human life is more valuable than a piece of metal.”

Key GRC models — characteristics and advantages

1. “Tarhan” GRC

A Ukrainian-developed platform codified by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

• Capable of carrying up to ~200 kg of payload (and even more in some modifications).
• High off-road capability and compact dimensions — suitable for transport in a car or trailer.
• Tasks: delivery of supplies and ammunition; evacuation of the wounded; participation in combat and engineering missions.
• Advantages: simple design, modularity, and low cost compared to foreign analogues.

2. “Volia-E” GRC

A Ukrainian ground drone designed for logistics and evacuation, with a payload capacity of approximately 200–250 kg.

• Equipped with an electronic warfare (EW) module — a versatile platform.
• Used on the front line, including by the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, for delivery and evacuation in conditions where other vehicles are unsuitable.
• Advantage: flexibility of use and the ability to be modified for specific tasks.

3. “TerMIT” GRC

A tracked, modular robotic complex of Ukrainian production with a payload capacity of up to ~300 kg.

• Dimensions: ~1.44 m × 1.24 m × 0.54 m; designed for transport in the bed of a pickup truck.
• Tasks: logistics, evacuation, mining, and fire support.
• Advantages: high passability (mud, snow, sandy terrain), quick module replacement, and use directly on the line of contact.

Why GRCs are needed right now and why they matter for the front

• Personnel safety. In many situations, deploying people is extremely risky due to mines, sniper fire, and strike UAVs. GRCs perform tasks instead of humans.
• Logistics breakthrough. Delivering ammunition, food, and fuel at the front is often difficult. GRCs can traverse routes where civilian or military vehicles cannot.
• Modularity and rapid response. In minutes, a platform can be reconfigured — from logistics to combat support — allowing quick adaptation to changing conditions.
• Cost efficiency. While GRCs can be expensive, their cost is far lower than the value of a soldier’s life or lost supplies.
• Technological development and the future of warfare. GRCs are part of a new generation of warfare in which humans are augmented by machines, increasing overall effectiveness.

Conclusion

Ground robotic complexes are no longer science fiction — they are the reality of today’s battlefield. Platforms such as the “Tarhan,” “Volia-E,” and “TerMIT” GRCs help the Armed Forces of Ukraine solve critical tasks: from logistics to evacuation, from mining to combat support. They strengthen our army and increase the chances of victory.

Within the PeoplesProject foundation, we do more than raise funds — we invest in lives, safety, and the technological future of Ukraine. By supporting such solutions, we help the front become more effective and resilient.