Ukrainian Armor Protector

History

The Protector is a heavy unmanned ground vehicle developed by the Ukrainian company Ukrainian Armor. It is primarily intended to transport supplies and evacuate casualties while keeping personnel away from dangerous routes.

The vehicle was publicly displayed at the MSPO 2024 defense exhibition in Poland. Ukrainian Armor subsequently refined the platform using experience gained during military operations and increased its declared payload capacity to 1,480 kg.

The Protector combines a diesel-powered all-wheel-drive chassis with remote control, long driving range, and modular mission equipment. Published configurations have included cargo equipment, electronic-warfare systems, reconnaissance equipment, weapon stations, and a front loader.

Development

Ukrainian Armor developed the Protector in response to the operational experience of Ukrainian personnel using unmanned systems during the Russo-Ukrainian War. The company presented logistics as its primary function, while retaining the ability to adapt the chassis for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, unmanned-system deployment, and combat support.

The Protector appeared publicly at MSPO 2024 in Kielce. Specifications published at the time described a 4,000 kg vehicle with a 190 hp diesel engine, a maximum speed of 60 km/h, and protection corresponding to STANAG 4569 Level 1. The platform was integrated with the ICoMWare situational-awareness system. Ukrainian Armor stated that its operator-control range exceeded 15 km and could be extended through an airborne repeater.

Ukraine authorized the Protector for use by its defense forces in 2025. Trials shown later that year demonstrated logistics and casualty-evacuation functions. The vehicle could carry three casualties on stretchers and tow a trailer. Reported control distances reached approximately 7 km over broken terrain and 12 km in open terrain.

Modernization

Ukrainian Armor increased the Protector payload after analyzing operational results that indicated the chassis could safely carry more than its original declared load. Early published figures described the original payload as either 700 or 770 kg. The modernized vehicle has a declared payload capacity of 1,480 kg.

Air springs were added to the rear suspension to support the greater load. The communications system also gained an LTE channel alongside its primary Starlink connection, providing an alternative means of communication. A published account of the modernization additionally reported a new camera with voice control.

Operational reports indicate substantial logistics use. Ukrainian Armor stated that one vehicle transported more than 15 tonnes of cargo in a month. A separate 2026 report described a unit completing 42 missions and moving 44 tonnes during June. These figures concern individual operational examples rather than guaranteed fleet-wide performance.

Design

The Protector uses a wheeled off-road chassis without a conventional crew cabin. An operator controls the vehicle remotely through a handheld console arranged to resemble normal vehicle controls. Day and night cameras provide driving views and situational awareness.

The chassis has all-wheel drive and run-flat tires intended to preserve mobility following tire damage. Published 2024 dimensions were 5.2 m long, 1.87 m wide, and 1.45 m high, with 235 mm of ground clearance. The stated obstacle performance included a 30-degree maximum climb, a 25-degree side slope, a 235 mm vertical obstacle, and a 0.5 m fording depth.

Powerplant and mobility

A 3.0-liter diesel engine rated at 190 hp powers the Protector. The initial published specification listed fuel consumption of 12 liters per 100 km and a 76-liter fuel tank. The modernized configuration has been reported with an 80-liter tank and a driving range of up to 400 km.

Speed figures differ between published descriptions. The original 2024 specification listed a maximum speed of 60 km/h, whereas a later military trial report cited approximately 45 km/h. The available accounts do not establish whether this difference resulted from configuration, terrain, test conditions, or a revised limit.

Communications and control

The vehicle uses multiple communication paths to maintain remote control under battlefield conditions. Demonstrated equipment has included two external antennas, selectable radio links, and Starlink satellite communication. The modernized system adds LTE as a reserve channel. An emergency cut-off control on the vehicle permits its electrical systems to be isolated directly.

Mission equipment

The Protector has a modular cargo area that can be adapted for logistics, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and other support missions. Demonstrated equipment has included a front loader, an electronic-warfare payload, an antenna mast, and launch equipment for other unmanned systems.

An armed configuration was tested with the remotely operated Tavriia-12.7 weapon station carrying a 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun. This integration was demonstrated during firing trials in 2025. It represents one mission configuration rather than the standard equipment of every Protector vehicle.

Operational history

The Protector entered use with Ukrainian defense units after its 2025 authorization. Its documented tasks include transporting ammunition and other supplies, evacuating casualties, and towing loads. Ukrainian Armor subsequently used operational data to revise the rated payload and suspension.

A Protector also participated in the Fire Storm exercises in Poland in September 2025. In 2026, Ukrainian Armor signed a supply contract with Ukraine's Defence Procurement Agency, confirming continued acquisition of the system.

Variants

• Logistics configuration: Cargo-carrying version intended for resupply, casualty evacuation, and towing.
• Modernized Protector: Updated version with a 1,480 kg payload, rear air springs, an 80-liter fuel tank, LTE communication, and Starlink connectivity.
• Tavriia-12.7 configuration: Armed demonstrator fitted with a remotely operated 12.7 mm machine-gun station.
• Special-mission configurations: Demonstrated installations include electronic-warfare equipment, a reconnaissance antenna mast, and a front loader.

Operators

• Ukraine: Authorized for operational use by the Ukrainian defense forces in 2025 and subsequently ordered through the Defence Procurement Agency.

Specifications (modernized Protector)

General characteristics

• Type: Heavy unmanned ground vehicle
• Payload: 1,480 kg
• Powerplant: 3.0-liter diesel engine, 190 hp
• Fuel capacity: 80 liters
• Suspension: Rear suspension with load-supporting air springs
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Tires: Run-flat

Performance

• Driving range: Up to 400 km

Control and communications

• Primary long-range link: Starlink
• Reserve link: LTE
• Sensors: Remote-driving cameras, including a reported voice-controlled camera in the modernized configuration

Additional information about the modernization was published by Defender Media. The original public specifications were reported by Defense Express.