What can do the Ukrainian 4 tonne Ukrainian terrestrial drone. Has a diesel engine and artificial intelligence
The role of terrestrial robotic systems in Ukraine is constantly increasing. They are used for humanitarian and military demination, ammunition transport, evacuation of the wounded, engineering works on the front line, as well as for specific military tasks. On the market, both small robotic platforms, with electric motors, as well as heavy models, diesel engine and extensive functionality appear.
BUFALO/photo terrestrial drone: X.
The first Ukrainian hard terrestrial robot was protective, developed by the company “Ukrainian Armor”. Now, however, another team of developers is preparing to launch a new land robotic platform – BUFALO.
Bufalo is created by an Ukrainian company that, for security reasons, does not reveal its name yet. However, the publication “Oborka” managed to find out details about this robotic complex and even participate in its tests.
How does the Ukrainian robot work?
Bufalo can be configured for various types of missions, but the main purpose is logistics and humanitarian demination.
One of the key features is the diesel engine, which offers increased autonomy without the need for frequent recharge. Several tanks can be mounted on the platform, depending on the client's requirements – thus, Bufalo can travel 100 or even 200 kilometers without refueling.
“Previously, the emphasis was placed on electric robots, which, in certain stages of the war, was an advantage. Now, it becomes a disadvantage – the front line is very extensive, and the electric drones cannot carry provisions and ammunition,” explains Vladislav, the director of the company.
Another advantage is ballistic protection. Bufalo resists the direct impact of small caliber bullets and indirect explosions of 152 mm artillery, if they detonate at least 100 meters away. The body is made of European armored steel, and the wheels are able to run even after damage.
Intelligent connectivity and navigation
Bufalo uses a double communication system – starlink and radio connection – and the GPS signal is protected against electronic jam (REB) using a CRPA antenna.
“We have the main channel and a spare one. If Starlink is bruised or, hypothetically, Elon Musk stops it, raises a relay type – and the problem is solved”, Explains Vladislav.
Bufalo weighs around 4 tonnes, reaches a speed of up to 20 km/h, and due to its bottom profile, it is difficult to detect. It can transport heavy tasks and even tract blocked vehicles, saving time and lives on the battlefield.
The robot is equipped with artificial intelligence for local navigation: it analyzes the data from the mounted rooms, detects obstacles at a distance of up to 15 meters, proposes safe routes and automatically stops in case of danger. However, the final control remains at the operator.
“The robot can follow a target, but will never decide whether to destroy it.emphasizes the developer.
How was Bufalo created?
The idea came to Vladislav at the time when he was working in another company in the field of defense. During a presentation, a military man suggested to test the drone on rough terrain. The test failed: the wheel broke, and the drone overturned.
“The military said to me then: this is the whole evaluation for your equipment. After leaving the company, I decided to launch my own project-I wanted to build something really useful for the army.”
Initially, the team wanted to mount a machine gun on the drone, to go in front of the infantry. But later they changed the strategy. They addressed the General Staff of the Armed Forces for the specifications, then discussed directly with the first line military to understand the real needs.
“One wanted fumigenous grenade, the other Starlink, another demanded armored wheels, and a fourth wished a protected ass with armor, so that the robot would not trigger me. I implemented them all in Bufalo.“
The project was launched in January 2025, and between March and August the version of demination was developed. This package includes: the drone itself with a hydraulic system, a mulker for demination, remote control and a transport support.
According to the team, Bufalo is 70% produced in Ukraine – electronics and the rooms are local. The remaining 30% are basic components imported from the European Union. The price has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Bufalo is not only for demination-developers want to turn it into a multifunctional platform. The current version is in testing and each stage generates new ideas for improvements.
The possibility of mounting a fighting module – with prior military consultations is analyzed. Due to the hydraulic system, BUFALO could also become an engineering robot, equipped with a trenches from remote trenches.
Another objective is the active protection against electronic war. An 11 -channel radio jamming system has already been tested, compatible with BUFALO. Next is the choice of the manufacturer and the integration of the system.
“We build a simple platform from an infrastructural point of view. If we want to change the control system, we remove it and put another. The connection interfaces are clear. The Reb equipment manufacturer only gives us a connector, we install it and everything works,” says Vladislav.
The official presentation and coding of the robot within the military system follow. The team wants to start production at a capacity of 10 units per month, and then look for partnerships for industrial scaling.
