Germany and Ukraine Test Armed Ground Robot for Frontline Deployment

OPA WIRE, Oct 29 (OPA) — German manufacturer ARX Robotics and Ukrainian firm ROBONEERS have finalized testing on the GEREON unmanned ground vehicle, a platform designed to provide remote fire support and reconnaissance. The system integrates the Ukrainian-built SABER weapons module, allowing operators to deploy various armaments, including rifles and grenade launchers, from a secure distance.

The collaboration was formalized in early October during a state visit to Kyiv by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ARX Robotics reports that the GEREON platform currently constitutes the largest fleet of Western-built unmanned ground vehicles operating within Ukraine, with existing unarmed versions already performing logistics, medical evacuation, and electronic warfare tasks.

Maximilian Wied, CFO and co-founder of ARX Robotics, emphasized the necessity for adaptable combat platforms capable of integrating new technologies into existing military architectures. ROBONEERS stated that its robotic systems have completed over 15,000 frontline missions since 2014, providing a significant operational baseline for the new joint initiative.

Beyond the GEREON project, the two companies have established a joint venture to scale production of the Rys Pro unmanned vehicle, targeting an output of more than 1,000 units in its inaugural year. Simultaneously, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is conducting a site visit to Munich-based defense firm Helsing to evaluate advancements in artificial intelligence software for military hardware, including tanks and fighter jets.