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Air3F VARKHAN

2025 UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE AUTONOMOUS LOGISTICS Russia-Ukraine war

History

Air3F VARKHAN is a Ukrainian unmanned ground robotic complex developed for frontline logistics, casualty evacuation, and other combat-support tasks. The electrically powered four-wheel-drive platform is designed to move supplies or other loads while reducing the need to expose personnel to hazardous routes.

VARKHAN had been publicly unveiled by 2025 after testing, and Air3F stated that serial production had begun. During 2026 the system was used by Ukrainian military units, and by September it had been codified and admitted for operational use by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

The platform combines a compact 4×4 chassis, removable batteries, several alternative communications links, and a modular payload arrangement. Later specifications published after codification describe a payload of up to 300 kg and a maximum unloaded range of up to 50 km.

Development and production

Air3F presented VARKHAN as its first unmanned ground vehicle. By November 2025 the company stated that the platform had completed testing and entered serial production. The vehicle was intended for logistics, evacuation, and other missions in difficult terrain, with emphasis on simple field maintenance, modular configuration, and rapid battery replacement.

Publicly stated specifications changed as the design developed. Information released in 2025 described a payload of up to 300 kg, a range of about 40 km, and operation for up to five hours. A March 2026 presentation described a 200 kg payload, a stated 40 km range, up to seven hours of operation, a maximum speed of 22 km/h, and 200 mm ground clearance. The later configuration associated with codification in September 2026 was described with a payload of up to 300 kg, 220 mm ground clearance, a maximum speed of 20 km/h, a range of up to 37 km with cargo and up to 50 km without cargo, and an operating period of up to 72 hours.

By March 2026 examples were being used by units of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Airborne Forces, and Army. Air3F stated that some brigades ordered additional vehicles after experience with early examples. In September 2026 VARKHAN was codified and admitted for use by Ukraine's Defense Forces, while serial production and frontline operation continued.

Design

Chassis and mobility

VARKHAN uses an electrically powered 4×4 wheeled chassis. The later configuration has dependent suspension and 220 mm ground clearance. Earlier information described 200 mm ground clearance and a suspension intended to maintain traction on uneven terrain. The design can accept puncture-resistant tires and includes roll stabilization for operation over irregular ground.

The platform was developed for movement across rough, muddy, snowy, and marshy terrain. Its mechanical layout is intended to permit field maintenance without specialized equipment.

Payload and mission equipment

VARKHAN is primarily configured as a logistics vehicle. The later specification gives a maximum payload of 300 kg. The platform can also be equipped for casualty evacuation, including use with a stretcher. Its modular arrangement allows equipment to be changed for different missions.

Power system

The vehicle is driven by electric motors and uses removable batteries. The batteries are designed for rapid replacement so that the vehicle can return to service without lengthy charging or additional maintenance. Published endurance figures changed during development, from five hours in 2025 and seven hours in March 2026 to an operating period of up to 72 hours for the later codified configuration.

Control and communications

VARKHAN supports several communications methods that can be selected according to operating conditions. The codified configuration uses a protected analog radio channel and can also integrate Starlink and cellular LTE communications. Earlier information stated that radio control could reach up to 10 km when used with a repeater.

The operator can select the preferred communications method. Infrared illumination is fitted for operation in darkness. VARKHAN forms part of a wider Air3F control and communications ecosystem that also includes T-Bone ground control stations, antennas, masts, repeaters, and rotating mechanisms.

Operational history

VARKHAN has been deployed with Ukrainian forces during the Russian-Ukrainian War. By March 2026 the system was being used by Defense Intelligence, Airborne Forces, and Army units. Its documented tasks include frontline logistics and casualty evacuation.

By September 2026 VARKHAN had been codified and formally admitted for use by Ukraine's Defense Forces. Air3F stated that vehicles were operating in combat conditions and conducting logistics missions at the front while serial production continued.