At the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2024) in Kielce, Poland, Ukrainian company “Ukrainian Armor” introduced their latest development, the Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) “Protector.”
The “Protector” is designed to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of military personnel on the battlefield.
“The ideology behind creating the ‘Protector’ is to safely execute dangerous missions,” explained Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of “Ukrainian Armor.” He added, “In developing this groundbreaking product for our company, we analyzed the experiences of military personnel who are on the front lines and work with ground-based unmanned platforms. This robot is crafted to increase both the safety and operational effectiveness of soldiers in combat.”
The UGV “Protector” boasts impressive specifications, including a weight capacity of up to 4,000 kg and a 190 horsepower engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. It offers Stanag 4569 level 1 ballistic protection and maintains communication with its operator over distances exceeding 15 kilometers. Integrated into the ICoMWare situational awareness system, the “Protector” can be widely deployed across various combat scenarios.
Belbas highlighted the uniqueness of this development within Ukraine, stating, “Currently, there are no similar developments in Ukraine. We primarily position the UGV ‘Protector’ as a logistical platform.” However, its versatility allows for multiple uses including reconnaissance, launching drones from hazardous locations, evacuating the wounded, and transporting cargo and ammunition. It can also be configured as a combat robot equipped with lethal weaponry to engage enemy armored vehicles or troops.
An additional advantage of the “Protector” is its cost-effectiveness and rapid production capability, making it an attractive option for military use without the significant financial burden often associated with such advanced technology.