The Ministry of Defence has codified and approved for supply to the Armed Forces of Ukraine the Varkhan ground robotic system (GRS). This was reported by the ministry’s press service.
The Defence Ministry noted that the Varkhan GRS demonstrated strong tactical and technical performance during testing. Its capabilities are sufficient to transport hundreds of kilograms of cargo over several dozen kilometres, the ministry added. In addition, the Varkhan GRS has several communications/control systems.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Varkhan system meets the requirements of modern high-intensity warfare:
- continuous operation;
- reliable, durable components and assemblies;
- a straightforward control algorithm;
- availability of spare parts and consumables;
- high tactical and technical performance;
- broad logistics capabilities;
- ease of maintenance.
“The Varkhan GRS is part of an ecosystem of integrated solutions. It includes T-Bone ground control stations, antennas, masts, repeaters and rotary mechanisms. Combining these products makes it possible to build comprehensive solutions for controlling unmanned systems and ensuring stable communications,” the Defence Ministry added.
The GRS has a 4×4 wheeled chassis, 220 mm ground clearance and is equipped with four electric motors. According to the manufacturer, the platform can travel over soil, sand, snow and marshland thanks to its high ground clearance, robust axle suspension and off-road wheels.
According to the developers, Varkhan can carry up to 300 kg of cargo. The system’s stated maximum speed is 20 km/h, and its range without a load is up to 50 km. Off-road, with the maximum 300 kg load, the stated range is up to 37 km.
The platform can be used to transport ammunition, deliver medicines, water and food supplies, as well as equipment to higher-risk areas. The developers’ concept is that this will ensure uninterrupted resupply of positions, allowing troops to focus on their tasks.
For remote control, the basic version uses an analogue radio channel at 2400 MHz. If required, the system can be equipped with Starlink satellite communications or LTE. The video link supports analogue and digital formats. Varkhan’s stated автономність is up to 72 hours. LED or infrared lamps are provided for illumination.
As a reminder, on 24 September the Varkhan GRS was codified by the Ukrainian company Air3F, the system’s developer.
Air3F offers the GRS in three configurations:
- Varkhan Analog includes the base platform, a battery, a charger and two remote-control units. The cost of this version is UAH 729,000.
- Varkhan Starlink additionally includes a set of IP cameras, a Starlink satellite kit and a navigation module. The configuration costs UAH 1.02 million.
- Varkhan Starlink+LTE includes the base platform, battery, charger, two remote-control units, a set of IP cameras, LTE and Starlink modules, as well as a navigation kit. The configuration costs UAH 1.05 million.
As a reminder, according to DELTA, from the start of 2026 to early September, around 112,000 logistics and evacuation missions by GRSs were recorded. In particular, GRSs deliver ammunition, water and food to positions and evacuate wounded Ukrainian defenders. The number of tasks carried out increased each month, and in August ground robotic systems completed 3.3 times more logistics and evacuation missions than in January.
Earlier, the Defence Ministry emphasised that the need for ground robotic systems is steadily growing. To significantly expand their use on the front line, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has substantially increased procurement volumes and set the required level of demand for GRSs this year.
In particular, more than 22,000 GRS units have already been contracted, almost double the figure for the entire previous year. Service personnel have also already ordered GRSs worth nearly UAH 1.9 billion via the Brave1 Market marketplace under the ePoints programme.