Vikram Mittal reports in Forbes:
Ukraine is increasing its use of HMMWVs, which it received in large numbers through American military aid packages. Ukraine’s growing use of this decades-old vehicle reflects its continued relevance on the modern battlefield due to its mobility, versatility, and ability to be modified for emerging operational requirements. Its four-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, and powerful diesel engine allow it to traverse steep slopes, muddy fields, and wooded areas. At the same time, it can travel at high speeds on conventional roads. It plays a key role in supporting Ukraine’s forward-deployed drone teams which often operate in small groups of two to four soldiers. They require vehicles capable of transporting personnel, drones, batteries, control stations, antennas, and other supplies between operating positions. The Humvee's drone protections are now advanced and it can be modified to operate remotely as a drone itself.A surprising vehicle has become a recurring target in the Russian Ministry of Defense’s daily reports on drone and artillery strikes against Ukrainian forces. This vehicle is the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee. Its growing presence in these reports suggests that Ukraine is increasing its use of HMMWVs, which it received in large numbers through earlier American military aid packages. Ukraine’s growing use of this decades-old vehicle reflects its continued relevance on the modern battlefield due to its mobility, versatility, and ability to be modified for emerging operational requirements.Why the HMMWV Remains Relevant on the Russia-Ukraine Battlefield
The HMMWV was developed by AM General for the U.S. military in the 1980s to replace the aging Jeep and several other light tactical vehicles with a single, versatile platform. The vehicle has since been adopted by numerous militaries worldwide. It was widely used by Coalition forces during Desert Storm and subsequently in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it served in a variety of roles, particularly during the early stages of those conflicts. Given its age and limited protection against roadside bombs, the U.S. military has increasingly shifted toward more heavily armored vehicles while retaining a reduced fleet of HMMWVs for support roles. As it transitioned toward newer vehicles, the U.S. committed more than 5,000 HMMWVs to Ukraine through military aid packages between 2022 and 2024.
Developed during the Cold War, the HMMWV was designed to operate across the varied terrain of Eastern Europe, where Ukrainian forces are now using it. Its four-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, and powerful diesel engine allow it to traverse steep slopes, muddy fields, and wooded areas. At the same time, it can travel at high speeds on conventional roads. This mobility makes it useful for transporting personnel and supplies to forward positions and evacuating wounded soldiers. Although it lacks the protection of heavier armored vehicles, up-armored variants provide protection against small-arms fire and fragmentation.
The HMMWV’s mobility and versatility are likely playing a key role in supporting Ukraine’s forward-deployed drone teams. These teams, which often operate in small groups of two to four soldiers, play a central role in Ukraine’s defensive strategy by monitoring and striking advancing Russian forces. They require vehicles capable of transporting personnel, drones, batteries, control stations, antennas, and other supplies between operating positions. The HMMWV provides sufficient payload capacity for this equipment, while its road and off-road mobility allows teams to reposition quickly. Its relatively small size also makes it easier to conceal near operating positions compared to larger military vehicles.
How Ukraine Is Adapting the HMMWV for New Missions
A key advantage of the HMMWV is its ability to accommodate modifications and additional equipment. The vehicle was originally designed in multiple configurations, including cargo carriers, troop transports, and weapons platforms, making it easier to adapt for different missions. Its relatively high payload capacity, simple mechanical systems, and standardized components allow it to accommodate extra armor, weapons, and electronics without extensive modifications to the underlying vehicle.
Ukraine has taken advantage of this flexibility to improve the HMMWV’s protection against drones, which are now responsible for much of the damage to military equipment on the battlefield. These modifications include additional armor, metal cages, and mesh screens mounted around the vehicle to intercept FPV drones before they strike vulnerable areas. Some HMMWVs have also been fitted with rooftop electronic warfare systems that detect incoming drones and jam their control and video signals. These modifications can improve survivability against smaller drones, although they provide limited protection against larger drones and artillery strikes. Notably, many of the HMMWV strikes featured in Russian Ministry of Defense reports appear to involve artillery rather than FPV drones, potentially reflecting the effectiveness of these protective measures.
What the HMMWV’s Continued Use Means for Future Military Vehicles
The HMMWV is positioned to take on an increasingly important role in Ukraine as the war evolves. The growing use of small, forward-deployed drone teams creates additional demand for vehicles capable of transporting personnel and equipment. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face shortages of military equipment, creating opportunities to adapt HMMWVs for missions traditionally performed by more specialized vehicles. With more than 5,000 HMMWVs committed through American military aid packages, Ukraine has a substantial fleet to draw upon. Oryx has documented 760 HMMWVs destroyed, damaged, abandoned, or captured since the start of the war, suggesting that a large number remain available for continued operations.
The HMMWV’s continued value is further reflected in recent international procurement decisions. In July 2025, Israel signed a $150 million contract with AM General for hundreds of new HMMWVs, citing their mobility, versatility, and ease of maintenance. The vehicles will support troop transport, casualty evacuation, logistics, and fire support missions. Lebanon also ordered additional HMMWVs in September 2025, while Taiwan placed an order for 38 vehicles in July 2026. These purchases come as the U.S. Army continues ordering HMMWVs despite its broader transition toward newer tactical vehicles.
The HMMWV’s continued relevance raises questions about the trend toward larger, more heavily armored vehicles. Although these vehicles provide greater protection against conventional threats, they remain vulnerable to relatively inexpensive drones while being more costly and difficult to maintain and replace. Ukraine’s experience suggests that vehicle survivability must be balanced against the ability to field and sustain large numbers of vehicles. In a war characterized by high equipment losses and rapidly evolving threats, having a large fleet of relatively simple vehicles that can be repaired, replaced, and adapted for new missions can be more valuable than specialized, heavily armored platforms.
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