Not only machines are made in this secret workshop in Ukraine. The war of the future is being written there
These are unmanned ground vehicles, i.e. the so-called UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles). For the soldiers of the Chartia Brigade, they quickly become an indispensable element of operations.
“These are ground-based robotic systems used mainly for logistical purposes,” one soldier nicknamed “Fasa” told the Kyiv Post during a rare visit to the site. “They deliver food, supplies, ammunition, fuel, generators—everything needed to hold the position.
Over time, however, their role ceases to be solely logistical – and more than just the method of delivery begins to change.
Just a few years ago, such solutions practically did not exist on the battlefield.
– We didn't have them in 2022 – recalls “Fasa”. — There was no need. Now getting to the positions in cars, pick-ups or armored vehicles is practically impossible, he admits.
Without them, even basic logistics become physically exhausting. Carrying fuel long distances on foot – sometimes up to 20 km – is a huge effort. That's why the solution is created on site: instead of people, small, low-profile robots move into dangerous areas.
“They're not noticeable, especially when they're camouflaged,” adds the soldier. “And if they are spotted, we can quickly hide them.”
In a secret workshop near Kharkov, soldiers of the Chartia Brigade build unmanned land vehiclesKostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
The principle of operation is simple: If a given task can be performed by a machine, humans do not have to put themselves at risk. The robots are controlled remotely over an internet connection, allowing operators to be away from the front lines – as long as a stable connection is available.
They are also relatively cheap by military standards – approximately PLN 220,000. hryvnias (approx. PLN 22-23 thousand) per piece, including the control system. However, their vitality reflects the realities of war.
While they are not formally disposable, in practice they rarely survive more than a limited number of missions. Sometimes they perform dozens of courses, other times – as one of the soldiers put it – they leave once and never come back.
Ukrainian soldiers from the Khartia Brigade install unmanned ground systems at a secret location near KharkovKostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
Their range is carefully calculated and often covers tens of kilometers, depending on battery capacity and mission plan.
“We learned everything ourselves”
The brigade builds the basic structure of these machines from scratch – frames, shafts and mechanical elements are made on site. Motors, batteries and electronics are sourced externally, often choosing Chinese components due to their lower cost.
A soldier of the Chartia Brigade cuts and welds elements for unmanned land vehiclesKostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
In the beginning, there was no ready-made knowledge base. Everything was learned on the fly, adapting solutions to the realities of the battlefield.
We learned everything ourselves
– explains “Fasa”.
A three-legged dog that was injured by gunfire in a workshop where Chartia Brigade soldiers build unmanned ground vehicles near Kharkov.Kostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
Soldiers deal with everything: from assembly, through repairs and modernization, to securing machines. This includes, among others: strengthening the structure and welding protective nets and covers to absorb impacts and protect the most important elements.
Even when a robot is hit and stops working, Fasa says, “about 90 percent of its components remain intact,” allowing it to be repaired and reused — sometimes even on the same day.
Ukrainian soldiers from the Khartia Brigade install unmanned ground systems at a secret location near KharkovKostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
In at least one case, the machine reportedly survived multiple hits and still returned from the mission.
A dozen or so soldiers work in this hidden workshop every day, assembling, repairing and adapting systems depending on available parts and losses incurred during recent operations.
Repair, strengthen, ship
Another soldier from the Chartia Brigade, nicknamed “Hurni”, explains that most of the systems they receive – whether from the state, producers or volunteers – are technically functional, but do not fully meet the requirements of the front.
Chartia Brigade workshopKostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
Therefore, the unit regularly modifies them, primarily by improving the control systems. As he explains, the structures are additionally reinforced with metal frames and nets that absorb the energy of impacts. Thanks to this, even after being hit, most of the components remain intact, which enables quick repairs and reuse of equipment.
As “Hurni” emphasizes, these platforms are very versatile. Although designed primarily for logistical purposes, they can carry various types of cargo, including explosives. There were cases in the brigade of them being used in operations against enemy positions – for example, to enter buildings before detonation.
In a secret workshop near Kharkov, soldiers of the Chartia Brigade build unmanned land vehiclesKostiantyn Ustyuzhyn / Kyiv Post
At the same time, their detection is difficult. Outside of direct visual observation, they are difficult to target, making them less susceptible to some countermeasures than aerial drones.
And it is in such places – hidden, improvised, located close to the front – that the future of land warfare is being created step by step.
