Germany and Ukraine test armed ground robot for frontline deployment

By Patrick Drews with ARX Robotics Published on 29 October 2026 - 19:56 GMT+1 A German and a Ukrainian defence company have tested an armed ground robot for use by Ukrainian forces, with the first systems due to be integrated and delivered by the end of 2026. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The cooperation agreement was signed in early October during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's state visit to Kyiv, in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Before the end of 2026, the first robotic vehicles fitted with the new weapons modules are expected to be ready for deployment and delivered in line with the needs of Ukraine's armed forces. How the new system works It's known as GEREON. Built by ARX Robotics, the unmanned vehicle provides mobility and power and can carry out reconnaissance using cameras and sensors. It can be fitted with the SABER weapons module, built by Ukrainian company ROBONEERS, which is mounted on top and provides remotely operated fire support for attack and defence capabilities. The companies say this allows soldiers to operate the system from a safer distance. Unarmed versions of GEREON are already being used for a range of tasks in Ukraine. They can transport supplies, evacuate wounded personnel, support electronic warfare, carry out reconnaissance and counter drones. The platform can also be adapted for combat missions. The companies say the aim is to create one flexible robotic system that can be quickly adapted for different frontline missions. The SABER weapons module is also customisable, allowing soldiers to fit different weapons depending on the mission, from rifles to grenade launchers. ARX says GEREON is the largest fleet of Western-built unmanned ground vehicles currently being used in Ukraine. Maximilian Wied, CFO and co-founder of ARX Robotics, said: "Modern land forces need combat platforms that can be quickly adapted to different missions, integrate new technologies and work seamlessly with existing systems." ROBONEERS says its robotic systems have already been used in more than 15,000 frontline missions since 2014. The two companies are already cooperating in other areas. They have set up a joint venture to expand production of another unmanned ground vehicle, the Rys Pro, in Germany and Ukraine. The companies are targeting production of more than 1,000 units in its first year. German defence minister to visit tech company Helsing Artificial intelligence is also a focus for German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who is visiting defence technology company Helsing at its headquarters in Munich. The visit will focus on the company's latest products and AI capabilities, alongside meetings with management, employees and the works council. Helsing was founded in 2021 and has grown rapidly into one of Europe's most prominent defence technology companies. It develops artificial intelligence and software for military systems, including technology designed to add AI capabilities to existing platforms such as tanks, submarines and fighter jets.