German and Ukrainian firms test armed ground robot for frontline use
German company ARX Robotics and Ukrainian firm ROBONEERS have tested an armed unmanned ground vehicle for Ukraine's armed forces. The first systems are due to be delivered by the end of 2026.
German defence technology company ARX Robotics and Ukrainian company ROBONEERS have tested an armed ground robot intended for use by Ukraine's armed forces in the war with Russia. The first systems are expected to be integrated and delivered by the end of 2026.
The companies signed a cooperation agreement in early October, during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's state visit to Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy present. Before the year ends, the first robotic vehicles fitted with the new weapons modules should be ready for deployment and handed over in line with the needs of Ukraine's forces.
How the system works
The unmanned platform is called GEREON and is built by ARX Robotics. It provides mobility and power, and can conduct reconnaissance using cameras and sensors. It can carry the SABER weapons module, made by ROBONEERS, which is mounted on top and offers remotely operated fire support for offensive and defensive roles. The companies say this lets soldiers operate the system from a safer distance.
Unarmed GEREON versions are already used in Ukraine for several tasks: carrying supplies, evacuating wounded personnel, supporting electronic warfare, reconnaissance and countering drones. The platform can also be adapted for combat missions. The firms aim to build one flexible robotic system that can be quickly reconfigured for different frontline tasks. SABER can be fitted with 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 in use in Ukraine. Maximilian Wied, ARX co-founder and chief financial officer, 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 been used in more than 15,000 frontline missions since 2014. The two firms already work together elsewhere: they have formed a joint venture to expand production of another unmanned ground vehicle, the Rys Pro, in Germany and Ukraine, targeting more than 1,000 units in the first year.
Pistorius visits Helsing
Artificial intelligence is also a focus for German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who is visiting defence technology company Helsing at its Munich headquarters. The visit centres on the firm's latest products and AI capabilities, plus meetings with management, employees and the works council. Helsing, founded in 2021, develops AI and software for military systems, including technology that adds AI capabilities to existing platforms such as tanks, submarines and fighter jets.
