Ukraine unveils its first firefighting robot for military use

Source: Ukraine’s defense ministry

On Thursday, Ukraine’s defense ministry announced the deployment of the country’s first firefighting robot for military use. This ground-based robot can operate up to 2 kilometers in open areas and up to 400 meters in rough terrain.

The robot boasts a mobile tracked platform equipped with a water or foam delivery system. The operator controls the robot remotely via a control panel, guiding it safely to the heart of the fire. The water flow can be adjusted remotely, and a camera mounted on the platform provides real-time footage of hazardous areas.

Initially developed for civilian rescue services, it soon caught the eye of Ukrainian military.  Its features make it ideal for situations with a high risk of ammunition detonation or other dangerous scenarios. At the military’s request, the robotic platform was upgraded with reinforced tracks, extended operational range, and longer battery life.

The new robot can also navigate challenging terrain, move through burning debris, operate in extreme temperatures, and create a “water wall” with its water cannon.