Vatag heavy UGV makes debut in Kyiv

The Vatag combat UGV, unveiled at the Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition in Kyiv. (Ground Robotics)

Vatag, a heavy armed and armoured unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), was first unveiled at the Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition held in Kyiv on 16–17 September.

Although some UGVs manufactured in Ukraine since 2022 have been armed, Vatag draws attention because of its size. It is larger than the UGVs developed and deployed by the country so far, with its manufacturer Ground Robotics saying it is capable of transporting over 2 tonnes, with integrated software-and-hardware solutions enabling autonomous behavioural decision-making. It was displayed with a 25 mm cannon mounted on a remote weapon station (RWS), which the company called a “proprietary universal combat module”. It added that the range of weapon configurations is being expanded, including the integration of universal combat modules that can be adapted to different mission profiles.

The 8×8 wheeled platform displayed had unspecified sensors and cameras across its body for situational awareness and navigation, potentially enabling the platform to move autonomously. It had cargo rings on its flat top designed to secure cargo for logistical support purposes. In addition, its RWS is apparently gyrostabilised, which would enable operators to shoot while the platform is moving. The modular flat-top design allows the Vatag to be compatible with other types of armament and payloads.

The company said that Vatag is designed for missions from providing fire support during assault or defensive operations to delivering unit support in fully autonomous mode. It added that Vatag has been developed as the foundation of an H (Heavy)-UGV ecosystem.