Ukrainian firm debuts new line of ground robots for war and logistics
UGV Laboratory unveiled three updated Hyena models, including a logistics platform already in use by the armed forces.
By Amina Howard ·
Kiev-based UGV Laboratory has released a new generation of small ground robotic systems.
The company presented the updated Hyena family at the Iron Halloween Party 2026 event in Ukraine. The lineup includes the upgraded Hyena Red combat robot, the mass-produced Hyena S logistics platform, and a working prototype of the Hyena Cobalt system.
A UGV Laboratory representative told Ukrainska Pravda that all platforms are designed to be operational immediately upon arrival. The systems do not require additional field modifications to function in combat conditions.
The Hyena Red serves as the flagship combat unit. It carries a warhead weighing up to 30 kg over a distance of approximately 30 km. The vehicle operates at a speed of 16 km/h. Its base configuration now includes a Starlink terminal for digital control, while an analogue radio channel remains as a backup against signal jamming. The hull features standard mounting points for ammunition, improvised explosive devices, or TM-62 anti-tank mines. The production batch size for this model has increased from five to ten vehicles to allow for continuous rotation. The chassis is built to traverse rubble, trenches, mud, and shallow water.
The Hyena S is a logistics vehicle currently deployed by units of the Ukrainian defense forces. It carries a payload of up to 20 kg and has a range of 12 km. The vehicle is equipped with a GPS module and night vision cameras. It can be converted into an observation post by raising the camera and using the payload bay for extra batteries. The representative noted that small logistics robots have helped move more cargo than medium-sized vehicles by operating continuously on established routes.
The Hyena Cobalt is a prototype combat system designed to fire two AT4 disposable grenade launchers made by Saab. The platform is set to fire two remote shots before detonating near the target in a kamikaze mode. Developers are currently finalizing regulatory algorithms to prepare the system for mass production with the grenade launchers installed.
The baseline Hyena combat vehicle can carry a warhead under 26 kg and travel up to 20 km. It features a self-destruct timer with an adjustable detonation window of 30 to 60 hours. The Hyena Red is currently completing combat trials in a pre-production format that matches the final mass-produced product.
