UKRAINE, Jul. 9 —  In June, Ukrainian troops conducted more than 16,600 logistics and evacuation missions using ground drones, reported the Defense Ministry of Ukraine. 

Ground drones continue to replace soldiers in some of the most dangerous areas of the front, delivering ammunition and food and evacuating wounded and fallen troops, the Ministry added.

Since the beginning of 2026, the number of ground drone missions has gradually increased from 7,511 in January to 16,676 in June.

This means that use of ground drones has grown by 122%. In June alone, their use increased by 18.6% compared to May. 

The Ministry said, in 2026, ground drones have carried out more than 66,300 missions.

According to the Ministry, Ukraine’s goal is to transfer up to 100% of frontline logistics to robotic systems. Currently, more than 22,000 ground drones have already been contracted for 2026, and procurement is ongoing, officials said.

Units receive eBaly points for using ground drones on missions. Then, through the Brave1, state-owned defense marketplace, Ukrainian soldiers can exchange those points for first-person view (FPV) drones, heavy bomber drones, ground drones and electronic warfare equipment.

Over 400 combat units have already ordered equipment worth more than 33 billion hryvnias ($742,150 million), including over 500,000 drones, the Defense Ministry reported. 

Read more

  • Russia attacks 10 settlements in Kharkiv oblast, killing 3, injuring 50

This summer, Russia bombs Kharkiv as much as it can, and our newsroom keeps working despite it all. If you want to support us amidst it all, please consider buying us a $5 coffee or subscribing to our community long-term.