A German and a Ukrainian defence company have completed initial tests of an armed ground robot intended for deployment with Ukraine's armed forces. The first systems are expected to be integrated and delivered by the end of 2026, according to the manufacturers.
The cooperation agreement was signed in early October during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's state visit to Kyiv, in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The deal underscores Berlin's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defence modernisation amid the ongoing war.
How the GEREON system works
The unmanned vehicle, named GEREON, is built by ARX Robotics, a German company. It provides mobility and power, and can conduct reconnaissance using cameras and sensors. The SABER weapons module, developed by Ukrainian firm ROBONEERS, mounts on top and offers remotely operated fire support for both attack and defence. This allows soldiers to operate the system from a safer distance, reducing their exposure to enemy fire.
Unarmed versions of GEREON are already in use in Ukraine for a range of tasks, including transporting supplies, evacuating wounded personnel, supporting electronic warfare, conducting reconnaissance, and countering drones. The platform can also be adapted for combat missions. The companies say the goal is to create one flexible robotic system that can be quickly reconfigured for different frontline roles.
The SABER module is also customisable, allowing soldiers to fit different weapons depending on the mission, from rifles to grenade launchers. ARX says GEREON is the largest fleet of Western-built unmanned ground vehicles currently operating in Ukraine.
"Modern land forces need combat platforms that can be quickly adapted to different missions, integrate new technologies and work seamlessly with existing systems," said Maximilian Wied, CFO and co-founder of ARX Robotics.
ROBONEERS says its robotic systems have already been used in more than 15,000 frontline missions since 2014. The two companies are also cooperating on a joint venture to expand production of another unmanned ground vehicle, the Rys Pro, in Germany and Ukraine. They are targeting production of more than 1,000 units in the first year.
The development comes as European defence budgets face pressure, with Brussels reopening €21.3bn in defence loans that could benefit Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO allies worry about delays in Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine, highlighting the need for innovative, cost-effective solutions.
Focus on AI in defence
Artificial intelligence is also a priority for German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who is visiting defence technology company Helsing at its headquarters in Munich. The visit will focus on the company's latest products and AI capabilities, alongside meetings with management, employees, and the works council. Helsing, founded in 2021, has grown rapidly into one of Europe's most prominent defence technology firms.
The integration of robotics and AI into European defence is gaining momentum, as nations seek to modernise their forces while managing budgets. The GEREON project exemplifies this trend, combining German engineering with Ukrainian battlefield experience. As Ukraine's drone defences improve, ground robots like GEREON could play an increasingly vital role in reducing soldier risk.
With the first armed GEREON units slated for delivery by the end of 2026, the partnership between ARX and ROBONEERS marks a significant step in European defence collaboration. It also reflects a broader shift towards unmanned systems in modern warfare, a lesson drawn from the conflict in Ukraine.
