Kyiv Robots Enter Combat Rotation

The front line of the war in Ukraine has become a contested space for small, automated machinery. On that front, a Kyiv-based engineering team has released a new generation of unmanned ground vehicles designed for immediate combat use.

The UGV Laboratory, operating under the brand Hyena Laboratory, unveiled the updated series at the Iron Halloween Party 2026 in late October. The new catalog consists of three distinct platforms: a refined combat unit, a logistics carrier, and a prototype for a specialized attack vehicle.

Company representatives stated that the new systems are designed to be ready for action immediately upon delivery. This approach removes the requirement for field modifications, allowing military units to integrate the robots into operations without complex setup procedures.

The flagship combat model, the Hyena Red, now includes a Starlink terminal as standard equipment. This connection supports digital control channels, while an analogue radio backup ensures communication remains functional if enemy interference jams the digital signal. The vehicle’s hull features standardized mounting points for various payloads, including standard ammunition, improvised explosive devices, or TM-62 anti-tank mines.

The Hyena Red can carry a warhead weighing up to 30 kilograms over a range of approximately 30 kilometers. It travels at 16 kilometers per hour on a chassis built to handle rubble, trenches, mud, and shallow water. The manufacturer has increased the supply set from five to ten vehicles per unit to support continuous operations. The platform is currently undergoing final combat trials in a pre-production format that mirrors the final product.

A second model, the Hyena S, is already deployed by Ukrainian defense forces for logistics tasks. Equipped with GPS and night cameras, it serves as both a transport and an observation post. The camera can be raised to monitor the area, and the payload bay holds extra batteries to extend video transmission. It carries loads of up to 20 kilograms over a 12-kilometer range at 16 kilometers per hour.

The company noted that the high volume of enemy drones has made the movement of medium-sized vehicles difficult. Small platforms like the Hyena S fill this operational gap. Representatives reported that some units have moved more cargo using these robots because they can operate continuously on established routes without exposing larger vehicles to risk.

The third platform, the Hyena Cobalt, remains in the prototype phase. It is designed to carry two AT4 disposable grenade launchers made by the Swedish firm Saab. The system is programmed to fire two remote shots before detonating near the target in a kamikaze mode. Engineers are currently finalizing the regulatory algorithms needed to deliver the system with its launchers to customers.

The baseline Hyena combat vehicle, which serves as the foundation for these updates, accommodates a warhead of up to 26 kilograms. It covers a distance of 20 kilometers and includes a self-destruct timer. The timer’s detonation time is adjustable from 30 to 60 hours, offering flexibility for operational planning.