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UGV Laboratory Simba and Hyena

2026 DRONE TECHNOLOGY RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE

History

The Simba and Hyena are Ukrainian unmanned ground vehicles developed by UGV Laboratory. The family consists of a medium-sized Simba logistics vehicle and Hyena vehicles in strike and transport configurations.

The vehicles are intended for frontline logistics, cargo transport and strike missions. UGV Laboratory reported in 2026 that hundreds of its systems were already performing missions with the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The designs emphasize mobility, straightforward maintenance, a low silhouette and the ability to operate with different payloads.

Simba participated in NATO's Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise in Latvia from 5 to 15 May 2026. It transported supplies and mission-critical cargo during testing organized under Task Force X for the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. According to a Breaking Defense report, the manufacturer stated that Simba had previously undergone extensive battlefield use in Ukraine.

UGV Laboratory presented the three-configuration family at an event organized by the Technological Forces of Ukraine on 15 July 2026. The company described Simba as a logistics platform and Hyena as a smaller system available in strike and transport forms. By that time, Simba had entered serial production in Ukraine.

Design

Simba is a medium-sized unmanned ground vehicle designed for forward logistics. The platform uses two batteries and was developed around an accessible maintenance concept. UGV Laboratory was working to increase its travel range at the time of the July 2026 presentation.

The manufacturer described a new suspension, an articulated frame and a low silhouette as important features of the family. These characteristics are intended to help the vehicles cross uneven terrain and reduce their visual profile. A company representative stated that the platforms could be concealed with locally available materials and paint.

During Crystal Arrow 2026, Simba used Starlink as one of its communication systems. The manufacturer reported signal difficulties in dense Latvian woodland, demonstrating that satellite connectivity can depend on terrain and vegetation.

Operational history

UGV Laboratory reported that Simba had been used for logistics and support missions in different operational environments in Ukraine. The company stated that one platform accumulated more than 1,600 km across its assigned missions.

During Crystal Arrow 2026, Simba operated in dense woodland and crossed uneven ground while transporting cargo. NATO reported that one unit travelled 384 km before its first scheduled maintenance, representing approximately seven to ten missions. The manufacturer also presented footage in which a Simba reportedly completed night missions after losing a wheel and being struck by a first-person-view drone.

Variants

Simba: Medium-sized logistics variant intended to deliver supplies and other cargo in frontline areas.
Hyena strike variant: Payload-carrying configuration supplied as a set of five unmanned ground vehicles with an ammunition package that can be replaced by an operator-selected payload.
Hyena transport variant: Logistics configuration intended to carry loads weighing up to 20 kg.

Operators

Ukrainian Defense Forces: UGV Laboratory reported in 2026 that hundreds of its unmanned ground vehicles were performing operational tasks.

Specifications (Simba logistics variant)

General characteristics

Type: Medium-sized unmanned ground logistics vehicle
Power source: Two battery packs
Payload: More than 300 kg, according to the manufacturer

Performance

Travel range: Up to 50 km on two batteries according to the July 2026 presentation; the manufacturer had previously claimed an operational range of up to 70 km. The available reports do not explain the difference between these figures.