Forterra, a US autonomous vehicle company, revealed today that it has deployed more than 100 of its self-driving Lancer UGVs in Ukraine since 2025. The vehicles, based on Polaris ATVs, have completed over 1,100 missions, according to the company. This marks one of the largest known field deployments of autonomous ground military vehicles.
These uncrewed ground vehicles are designed to handle logistics, reconnaissance, and other dangerous tasks without putting soldiers at risk. Their use in a live conflict zone like Ukraine provides a real-world test for autonomous military technology on a scale rarely seen before. The deployment suggests that drones on the ground are following the rapid adoption of aerial drones in modern warfare.
The company did not disclose exact mission details or whether any vehicles were lost. Forterra stated only that the fleet has been operating since last year, with the number of missions suggesting frequent daily use. No specific casualty or damage figures were provided in the announcement.
This expansion could accelerate demand for robotic ground vehicles among NATO allies looking to reduce troop exposure. It also raises questions about the role of autonomous systems in future conflicts, particularly regarding rules of engagement. Forterra, previously known as Robotic Research, has not commented on potential follow-on contracts.
Some analysts caution that battlefield performance data remains proprietary, making independent verification of the claims difficult. Without third-party confirmation, the exact impact of these UGVs on operations cannot be fully assessed.