Ukrainian forces will need 30,000 ground drones in 2026, says military commander

Ukraine's defence forces will require about 30,000 ground robotic systems (GRS) in 2026, according to Viktor Pavlov, founder of the Ground Robotic Systems School and commander of a platoon of such systems in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

Source: Pavlov in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Telegraf

Quote: "I believe that next year the army will need around 30,000 ground robotic systems. This is my personal opinion – a rough estimate based on an understanding of losses and scaling."

Details: Pavlov reported, citing open data, that Ukraine has contracted 10,000-15,000 ground robotic systems this year.

"Is that enough? It's enough for a year, but the year is already coming to an end," he noted.

The commander also explained that the cost of ground drones is generally lower than that of a Turkish-made Bayraktar uncrewed combat aerial vehicle, but "compared to an FPV drone, a ground robotic system is, of course, more expensive".

"Roughly speaking, it costs about US$10,000, while an FPV costs US$500," Pavlov added.

He said foreign ground robotic systems are much more expensive – some costing €160,000 or even €300,000. In Ukraine, prices vary from US$10,000 to US$50,000, depending on size and specifications.

Ground drones perform various functions on the front, including logistics, engineering and fire support, as well as evacuation missions.

Background: Recently, the First Separate Medical Battalion carried out a unique operation using a ground drone that evacuated a wounded soldier after withstanding a mine explosion and a drone strike.

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