History
The Trident Tech Plastun is a Ukrainian unmanned ground robotic complex designed for carrying loads and supporting military tasks. The approximately 35 kg four-wheel platform has been in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces since 2023.
By 2026, Trident Tech had modernized the Plastun to increase its payload capacity and operating range. The updated vehicle can carry up to 100 kg, compared with 50 kg for the earlier configuration.
The modernization also introduced new battery technology and retained the platform's modular approach, allowing different communications, reconnaissance, relay, drone-launching, electronic-warfare, and mine-laying equipment to be installed according to the mission.
2026 modernization
Trident Tech reported the technical modernization of the Plastun in August 2026. PAWELL Battery engineers replaced the original lithium-ion battery cells with new solid-state cells. According to the developers, the change increased the battery's specific capacity by approximately 60%.
The upgraded energy system increased the stated operating range from 25 km to 100 km. At the same time, the maximum payload was doubled from 50 kg to 100 kg. An updated Plastun was documented during the summer of 2026.
Design
The Plastun uses a 4x4 all-wheel-drive chassis. Propulsion is provided by four geared electric motors, each rated at 350 W. The vehicle uses tubeless polyurethane tires developed for the platform.
The chassis is intended to operate across snow, sand, swampy terrain, and forest belts. The vehicle is stated to be capable of climbing slopes with an angle of up to 45 degrees.
Power system
The modernized Plastun uses solid-state battery cells in place of the earlier lithium-ion cells. The updated battery system is credited with increasing the vehicle's range to 100 km and raising battery specific capacity by approximately 60%.
Mission equipment
The Plastun can be configured with different mission modules. Supported equipment includes digital communications modules designed for resistance to electronic warfare, communications relay equipment, and a platform for launching two FPV drones.
The developers have also provided for integration of mobile electronic-warfare equipment, Starlink, 360-degree cameras, thermal imagers, and a fiber-optic video transmission channel.
Mine-laying configurations are also available. The platform can carry a remote mine-laying system using two TM-62 or TM-72 mines, or a system intended to place a four-mine barrier.
Operational history
The Plastun has been in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces since 2023. The supplied source does not provide unit-level deployment details or quantities in service.
Operators
- Ukraine: Ukrainian Defense Forces, in service since 2023.
Specifications (modernized Plastun)
General characteristics
- Platform weight: approximately 35 kg
- Maximum payload: 100 kg
- Drive: 4x4 all-wheel drive
- Motors: four geared electric motors, 350 W each
- Tires: tubeless polyurethane
- Battery: solid-state cells replacing the earlier lithium-ion cells
Performance
- Operating range: 100 km
- Maximum stated slope: up to 45 degrees
Mission equipment
- Communications: digital communications modules with protection against electronic warfare and optional relay equipment
- Drone support: platform for launching two FPV drones
- Optional sensors and communications: 360-degree cameras, thermal imagers, Starlink, and fiber-optic video transmission
- Optional electronic warfare equipment: provision for integration of a mobile electronic-warfare system
- Mine-laying equipment: configuration for two TM-62 or TM-72 mines or a four-mine barrier system
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