Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has officially sanctioned the deployment of the “Vislyuk” unmanned ground system for various military applications. The name “Vislyuk,” which translates to “donkey,” indicates its utility in supporting military tasks. The system is equipped with advanced electric-nuclear warfare-resistant control technology, which can be integrated with a fiber optic module to enable remote operation in logistics, evacuation, mining, and engineering functions.
The Vislyuk platform can also perform as a mobile radio communication repeater, combat module, or surveillance system, showcasing its versatility in different operational scenarios. Developed by a local industry partner in response to a need expressed by the armed forces, this terrestrial drone features a design akin to a small tracked vehicle, characterized by a spacious area on top.
One of the key advantages of the Vislyuk is its compact architecture, facilitating easy transportation on the battlefield and excellent maneuverability across diverse terrains, including off-road environments, sandy landscapes, and swampy areas. It is powered by two quiet electric motors, allowing for discreet operations. The system has an evacuation-ready configuration and a substantial payload capacity of 200 kilograms (441 pounds), with the ability to extract stuck vehicles, such as SUVs from muddy roads.
The approval for the Vislyuk’s deployment followed extensive trials of unmanned ground systems for tactical applications in Ukraine. This significant event included tests of over 70 drones from 50 manufacturers, which were evaluated on their payload capabilities, technical performance, and resilience in high-stress operational settings across a designated 10-kilometer (6-mile) proving area. The results of these trials highlighted the potential of the Vislyuk and similar systems in enhancing Ukraine’s military operational capabilities.
