Ukrainian Ground Drone Rescues Wounded Soldier Over 25 Mile Route

The implication is that the capabilities of ground drones in all facets of military activity continue to improve. JL

Ivan Khomenko reports in United24:

A Ukrainian ground-based Zmiy500 robotic platform operated by the National Guard of Ukraine’s 13th Brigade successfully completed a dual mission, delivering supplies to the front line and evacuating a wounded soldier over a 34-kilometer (25 mile) route. The mission faced challenging conditions, including damaged field roads and a constant threat from enemy drones. Despite these obstacles, the unmanned vehicle navigated the route and delivered the soldier to the evacuation point, where medics confirmed that any significant delay could have been life-threatening.

A Ukrainian ground-based robotic platform operated by the National Guard of Ukraine’s 13th Brigade “Khartia” has successfully completed a dual mission, delivering supplies to the front line and evacuating a wounded soldier over a 34-kilometer route.

According to the brigade’s press service, the operation was planned in advance with two objectives: to deliver food, fuel, and water to an infantry position near the evacuation point, and to transport an injured serviceman to a medical evacuation unit.

 

The armored logistics platform, known as “Zmiy-500,” followed a pre-determined route carrying the supplies. Upon arrival, the cargo was unloaded to make space for the wounded soldier, who was in moderate condition with a severe leg injury.

The mission faced challenging conditions, including damaged field roads and a constant threat from enemy drones. Despite these obstacles, the unmanned vehicle navigated the route and delivered the soldier to the evacuation point, where medics confirmed that any significant delay could have been life-threatening.

 

The “Zmiy-500” was officially approved for use by Ukraine’s Defense Forces in 2024. According to the manufacturer, the unmanned ground vehicle weighs 850 kilograms and can transport up to 500 kilograms of cargo in its compartment. It is primarily used for logistics operations and casualty evacuation in frontline conditions.

Earlier, Ukraine’s 28th Mechanized Brigade adapted an unmanned ground vehicle by mounting an Igla MANPADS, creating a mobile short-range air defense system credited with downing at least one Russian helicopter, according to the brigade.