Media: Ukraine becomes NATO’s frontline lab for future warfare with Russia

Ukraine now serves as both a battlefield and a live-testing laboratory for NATO in anticipation of future conflict with Russia.

Ukraine is rapidly emerging as a proving ground for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), with the homegrown "Zmiy" ("Snake") robot at the forefront of this technological revolution, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Developed by Ukrainian defense start-up Rovertech, the Zmiy is one of a growing number of robotic systems designed to perform high-risk tasks on the battlefield—relieving pressure on human troops and addressing critical manpower shortages.

The Zmiy is a lightweight, remote-controlled platform built for mine clearance and battlefield logistics. Capable of clearing up to 2.5 hectares of land per hour, it can neutralize both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines while removing tripwires. Its design allows it to function in low to medium vegetation, and its rugged build withstands anti-tank mine blasts.

Notably cost-effective, the Zmiy is priced between $14,500 and $20,000 depending on the configuration—making it significantly cheaper than comparable foreign models. In a major milestone, the Zmiy received NATO codification in late 2024, confirming its compliance with international military standards. 

The robot’s electric motor is virtually silent, and its wide, all-terrain treads enable it to traverse mud, trenches, and even shallow water, making it ideal for complex combat environments. Expanding the platform’s capabilities, Ukraine’s military has also fielded the "Logistics Zmiy"—an armored variant designed to transport up to 500 kilograms of cargo and tow damaged vehicles from the front lines. This version comes equipped with both ballistic and mine protection to ensure safe operation in dangerous zones. 

These innovations highlight Ukraine’s growing reliance on autonomous systems as it seeks a technological edge in its war with Russia. Experts say that UGVs like Zmiy could redefine modern warfare by performing the “dull, dirty, and dangerous” tasks once carried out by soldiers, marking a shift toward a future battlefield dominated by human-machine collaboration.

By Naila Huseynova