NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows
The Ark-1 UGV by Ark Robotics was used in the exercise as a one-way effector, similar to first-person view drones. (Photo: author)
One goal of NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow was to identify the potential uses of uncrewed ground vehicles – as seen on the Ukrainian battlefield – and put platforms into the hands of users.
The Ukraine-Russia war has highlighted the growing importance of uncrewed systems, an argument supported by the rapid procurement and indigenous manufacture of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) by both countries.
Alongside the air war, Ukraine has also turned to uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) for logistics, reconnaissance and casualty evacuation. This move has been most visible with the Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) of which more than 150 are expected to be in service before the end of the year.
As well as this platform, rapidly developed, smaller UGVs have been rushed into service by Ukrainian developers, with
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system]()
Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is in service on five continents with more than 120 platforms delivered. The system will now form part of Belgium’s Blue Dome air defence system alongside new orders for Skyranger air defence and Thales radar systems.
-
![Poland land systems focus: €31 billion spending drive boosts domestic production ambitions]()
Poland land systems focus: €31 billion spending drive boosts domestic production ambitions
Poland’s potential €53 billion land procurement pipeline could give it one of Europe’s largest armoured vehicle fleets, with local production, technology transfer and future exports central to the strategy.
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
