{
  "id": 8270680,
  "title": "Ukraine is testing homemade remote-controlled buggies for the first time to keep troops supplied this winter",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/ukraine-is-testing-homemade-remote-controlled-buggies-for-the-first",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T16:41:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-tests-homemade-remote-controlled-buggies-for-winter-logistics-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukraine is conducting trials of homemade remote-controlled off-road buggies for the first time to address logistics challenges during the upcoming winter, according to Brave1, Ukraine's state-backed innovation platform. These vehicles are designed to keep troops supplied in harsh winter conditions and are being tested by local manufacturers with the special unit of Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency. The trials aim to determine if the optionally manned vehicles can perform effectively in battlefield conditions. As winter approaches, Ukraine's military requires affordable, fast, and highly mobile vehicles that can operate with both a driver and remotely. While ground robots have become essential for Ukrainian logistics this year, Brave1 notes that they are slow and struggle in snowy and muddy conditions. Ukraine has previously utilized off-road buggies in special operations missions due to their speed and capability on rough terrain, although they lack external protection. With remotely-controlled buggies, this issue can be mitigated. Ukraine is now focusing on developing locally made buggies to fill this potential capability gap. These buggies have been used by Ukrainian special operators in various missions, including dodging enemy drones. However, many of these vehicles have faced issues such as high costs, limited remote-control capabilities, and inability to meet battlefield demands. Brave1 aims to establish a fully-fledged Ukrainian buggy market by providing grants to over half of the developments available in the country and working with manufacturers to make them remotely operated. Following the trials, the manufacturers will make adjustments to their buggies based on the received feedback. The next step will involve collaboration with the Ukrainian defense ministry to scale the deployment of these vehicles on the battlefield.",
  "summary": "Kyiv hopes the locally built vehicles can overcome the winter challenges that slow many ground robots.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukraine tests homemade remote-controlled off-road buggies for winter logistics.",
    "Vehicles aim to improve troop supply in harsh battlefield conditions.",
    "Trials focus on effectiveness and affordability of locally made buggies."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}