The first batch of German-made autonomous ground drones has arrived in Ukraine, marking a new stage in the use of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.
The German defense company ARX Robotics has begun mass production of Gereon RCS drones, 30 of which were received by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in early February.
These AI-controlled drones are designed to transport supplies and evacuate wounded soldiers from combat zones, improving battlefield logistics while reducing risks to troops on the front lines. The delivery is being funded by the German government, according to a report by Deutsche Welle on January 30.
The Gereon RCS drones are programmed to navigate autonomously, delivering essential supplies such as ammunition and medical kits to forward positions. They also serve as evacuation platforms, pulling wounded soldiers out of danger zones and minimizing the impact of enemy fire on people.
«The main goal — provide vital logistical support to soldiers», — said ARX Robotics CEO Roberta Randerath.
The deployment of these drones will reduce the need for personnel in high-risk evacuation operations, allowing Ukrainian forces to focus on holding defensive positions.
The Gereon RCS is part of a broader trend toward autonomous military solutions aimed at increasing effectiveness and survivability in modern warfare. While drones have played a crucial role in Ukraine's operations against Russian forces, ground-based robotic systems could improve battlefield logistics and casualty evacuation efforts.
As production continues at ARX Robotics, further deliveries of these drones are possible, increasing Ukraine's ability to support frontline operations while minimizing the impact of enemy fire on troops.