More than 100 American-built autonomous all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been actively deployed in Ukrainian conflict zones for the past nine months, according to US manufacturer Forterra. This marks what the company believes is the largest deployment of autonomous ground vehicles in combat by any US defence technology firm, providing crucial logistical support and casualty evacuation capabilities to Ukrainian forces.
These Lancer vehicles, based on Polaris ATVs and equipped with bespoke sensor and computing technology, are gas-powered and capable of transporting up to 750 kilograms of cargo. This significantly increases their versatility compared to many existing battery-powered Ukrainian uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), which typically carry around 250 kilograms. Since their arrival in Ukraine last October, the vehicles have covered over 2,500 miles across more than 1,100 missions, transporting a total of 777,440 pounds of weight and completing 88 casualty evacuations.
The initiative is funded by US defence dollars, forming part of a broader strategy to bolster the US military's technological capabilities through its support for Ukraine's resistance against Russian invaders. While aerial drones have dominated much of the attention in the conflict, the pervasive surveillance they enable has led Ukrainian strategists to seek robust ground-based autonomous solutions. Sergeant Major Corey Wilkens, who leads a US Army programme developing autonomous vehicles and tactics, highlighted the vulnerability of personnel in areas where surveillance drones operate, making ground autonomy a strategic imperative.
Initially, Ukrainian forces had mixed experiences with Western technology, but modifications to Forterra's vehicles, particularly the integration of Starlink satellite internet antennas, significantly enhanced their utility. Despite their capabilities, Ukrainian soldiers are primarily teleoperating the vehicles in combat zones. This is partly due to their strategic value and the current limitations of autonomous technology in complex, unpredictable warfare environments. While the vehicles can navigate autonomously across diverse terrains, they are not yet equipped to independently identify unexpected enemy forces and react appropriately.
The deployment has provided Forterra with invaluable real-world insights into electronic warfare, remote software updates, manoeuvring in challenging conditions, and vehicle durability. The company, which has secured over £400 million in venture funding, is now better positioned to compete for significant national security contracts. This ongoing trial in Ukraine is expected to accelerate the development of more advanced autonomous capabilities, bridging the gap between existing self-driving car algorithms and the dynamic requirements of military operations.