In a notable advancement in military technology, Ukraine has begun employing both aerial and maritime drones to transport ground robots equipped with weaponry directly into combat zones. This strategy allows slower wheeled robots to navigate challenging terrains and circumvent Russian defenses, facilitating a unique robotic amphibious assault on contested areas.
On July 19, a video shared by a Russian military Telegram channel depicted a Ukrainian hexacopter drone carrying a ground robot, specifically a four-wheeled ARK-1, suspended below it. The ARK-1 is armed with explosive anti-tank mines and was reportedly deployed to advance toward Russian military positions. While the success of this mission remains unverified, the tactic aims to enhance the survivability of ground robots by enabling them to evade Russian aerial surveillance and drone strikes.
The ARK-1 can achieve speeds of nearly 28 miles per hour, although some other robots in use are significantly slower. This deployment method was also utilized during a military operation on June 25, where a Ukrainian drone boat delivered a ground robot to the Kinburn Spit, a strategically important peninsula in the Black Sea region. Following its deployment, the robot engaged in combat, firing its machine gun amidst ongoing skirmishes.
Michael Bohnert, a defense researcher at the RAND Corporation, noted the operation’s significance but cautioned that the concept of amphibious robotic assaults may not yet be fully developed for intensive combat scenarios.
Since late 2025, Ukraine has significantly increased its use of ground robots, with missions rising from under 7,500 in January to over 16,600 by June. These robots are involved in various roles, including supply transport, casualty evacuation, mine clearance, and direct combat engagement.
This innovative use of drones to carry ground robots is part of a broader trend of tactical advancements by the Ukrainian military since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has also deployed large drones as motherships for explosive FPV drones and has utilized drone boats to launch drone swarms against Russian positions along the Black Sea coast.
In response, the Russian military has developed its own carrier drones. The ongoing conflict has prompted the U.S. military to observe and adapt some of Ukraine’s strategies, including the deployment of kamikaze drone boats in other combat scenarios.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
