Ukraine has put thousands of new war robots into the fight. Fall and winter will test how they handle mud and snow.

Ukraine's military has significantly expanded its fleet of ground robots since the previous winter, with new models and capabilities entering combat zones. However, the upcoming fall and winter months will put these robots to the test, as they face challenges such as thick mud, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures. A Ukrainian officer noted that the robots' performance in these conditions will be a key factor in determining how much they have evolved compared to last autumn.

Since last winter, Ukraine's military and industry have prioritized deploying an army of robots to replace human soldiers in dangerous sectors, including attacking, gathering intelligence, carrying gear, and evacuating the wounded. The fleet has grown substantially and advanced technologically, with improvements in operational range, off-road mobility, and other aspects.

However, the seasonal changes pose new challenges for the robots, which may struggle in the autumn mud and winter snow, affecting their mobility and making them more visible to the enemy. Manufacturers have reported success with their UGVs during the last winter, but many more models are yet to be tested. Ukraine has previously adapted its drone technology to winter conditions, and it may need to do the same for its expanding ground robot fleet.