Germany supplies 30 Gereon RCS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine to reduce troop exposure in combat zones.

As reported by German Aid to Ukraine on March 17, 2025, Germany has expanded its military aid to Ukraine with the delivery of various equipment, including unmanned ground vehicles, reconnaissance drones, and munitions. Among the recent deliveries, 30 Gereon RCS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have been provided. Manufactured by ARX Robotics, these robotic systems are designed for logistics, casualty evacuation, and reconnaissance missions. The delivery, financed by the German government, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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ARX Robotics has announced plans to establish a technology and maintenance center in Ukraine to support platform adaptation, maintenance, and collaboration with Ukrainian engineers and startups. (Picture source: ARX Robotics)

The Gereon RCS is a tracked robotic platform with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg and an operational range of up to 40 kilometers. It is part of ARX Robotics’ modular robotic system lineup, which includes the Gereon ATR, a light armored target carrier for training, and the Gereon 3, a multi-purpose platform capable of carrying drones or sensors. These systems have undergone testing in NATO exercises such as Grand Eagle II in Lithuania and in Slovakia under NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. The Gereon UGVs have been evaluated for their performance in battlefield logistics, area surveillance, and casualty evacuation, providing data on operational adaptability and logistical efficiency. Designed for transportability within armored vehicles, they are intended to integrate into mobile military operations without affecting force mobility.

ARX Robotics has announced plans to establish a technology and maintenance center in Ukraine to support platform adaptation, maintenance, and collaboration with Ukrainian engineers and startups. This initiative is intended to facilitate the integration and sustainment of these robotic systems within Ukrainian defense forces. The introduction of AI-powered ground drones is part of Germany’s support strategy for Ukraine, incorporating automation into defense operations. The Gereon RCS drones are designed to perform autonomous logistics and casualty evacuation missions, reducing personnel requirements in high-risk areas. ARX Robotics is also integrating Ukrainian-made turrets into its platforms and employs multiple communication methods, including Silvus radio stations, 4G/5G networks, and Starlink.

The Bundeswehr has deployed the Gereon RCS system in Slovakia under NATO operations. These UGVs have been used for reconnaissance, logistics, and casualty evacuation missions in support of mechanized infantry operations. Their integration with both mounted and dismounted units demonstrates the use of autonomous systems in military environments. ARX Robotics has joined Diia.City, Ukraine’s special legal framework for IT industry development, and plans to relocate part of its production and research to Ukraine. This move is intended to support local technological development and facilitate cooperation between German and Ukrainian defense industries.

With financial backing from the NATO Innovation Fund, ARX Robotics is increasing production capacity and advancing autonomous military solutions for European and allied armed forces. The deployment of the Gereon RCS system is expected to contribute to Ukraine’s logistical and reconnaissance operations while limiting personnel exposure to battlefield risks. Ukraine has increased its use of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in combat. In December 2024, Ukrainian forces conducted an assault using ground robots and drones to strike Russian positions without deploying personnel. UGVs now conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, ammunition transport, and casualty evacuation. Some UGVs are used offensively, with tracked explosive-laden robots targeting Russian tanks and others equipped with remote-controlled machine guns for engaging enemy positions. Officials state that these systems reduce casualties by allowing forces to operate at a greater distance from high-risk areas, compensating for personnel shortages with automated capabilities.

The German Army has deployed the Gereon RCS in Slovakia for reconnaissance, logistics, and casualty evacuation missions in support of mechanized infantry operations. (Picture source: ARX Robotics)

A Ukrainian serviceman has been observed operating a Vepr tracked logistics UGV during a 2024 drill, demonstrating its role in transporting supplies and evacuating wounded personnel under fire. Ukraine’s fleet of UGVs includes both foreign-supplied and domestically produced models. Estonia’s Milrem THeMIS tracked UGV has been in service since 2022, with at least 15 units supporting operations in cargo transport, casualty evacuation, and route clearance. Additional deliveries are scheduled. Milrem has developed armed variants for anti-tank and engineering missions and aims to have over 200 THeMIS units deployed in Ukraine by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s domestic defense industry, supported by the government’s Brave1 innovation program, has introduced new UGVs designed for combat. Armored 4×4 robots such as the Ironclad and D-21 are equipped with turret-mounted machine guns, including the ShaBlya remote weapon station, for frontline engagements and base defense.

Smaller UGVs have been designed for offensive operations, including the Ratel-S, a compact 4×4 platform that carries two large anti-tank mines and is programmed to detonate under enemy vehicles. This system is in serial production. For logistics and support, Ukraine has deployed multipurpose UGVs such as the Gimli family, which consists of compact electric vehicles used for transporting ammunition, equipment, and evacuating injured personnel. These platforms, including the domestically produced Tarhan UGV, have a payload capacity of 150–200 kg and can be adapted for various roles, including armed configurations for mobile fire support.

Production and deployment of UGVs are increasing to meet operational requirements. Defense officials report that several thousand ground drones were acquired in 2024, with procurement expected to rise to tens of thousands in 2025. Ukrainian manufacturers are expanding output under government contracts, with the Ratel-S attack UGV entering mass production in late 2023 following successful field tests. International suppliers are also scaling up deliveries: Estonia’s Milrem Robotics has expanded its production capacity to manufacture 500 UGVs annually and is prioritizing orders for Ukraine, with a target of delivering over 200 THeMIS units within a year. To coordinate this expansion, Ukraine has integrated robotic units into its brigades and established a dedicated Unmanned Systems Force in early 2024. Additionally, funding initiatives such as United24 are contributing to the procurement of hundreds of UGVs for the armed forces. This effort is part of a broader strategy to expand Ukraine’s use of robotic systems across reconnaissance, logistics, engineering, and combat operations.