Kyiv: Ukrainian soldiers are gearing up to receive cutting-edge “hedgehog backpacks” and high-tech ground robots to bolster their defense against Russian drone attacks. This advanced equipment is expected to be deployed on the front lines within a month.
Innovative Robotics for Soldier Evacuation
Developed by the Ukrainian company Kvertus, the $6,000 “hedgehog backpack” derives its name from its array of antennas designed to neutralize Russian drones. These antennas form a dome-shaped defense system, effectively blocking drone signals.
In addition to the backpacks, Kvertus has also created a $100,000 ground robot—an unmanned vehicle equipped with antennas capable of jamming GPS signals to disable drones, according to Ziare. This robot serves a dual purpose: it not only counters drone threats but also assists in transporting soldiers from the battlefield, which is particularly critical for evacuating the wounded.
Serhii Skorik, Kvertus’ commercial director, explained to The Times that the idea for the ground robot emerged after a Ukrainian commander voiced concerns about the inability to evacuate injured troops due to the heavy presence of Russian drones.
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Saving Lives Amid Drone Dominance
With Russian drones maintaining significant control over Ukraine’s airspace, a substantial number of battlefield casualties have been linked to these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The new Ukrainian devices are designed to block signals from drones up to 300 meters away, enhancing the safety of ground troops.
According to Skorik, Kvertus’ innovative equipment has saved over 50,000 lives since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022. Ukraine has actively deployed anti-drone weapons to mitigate Russian attacks, with early support from Australian company DroneShield, which provided its anti-drone systems.
This latest advancement in defense technology coincides with Ukraine’s ramped-up drone production. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced earlier this month that the country is now capable of manufacturing up to four million drones annually.
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Ukraine’s defense industry, which was nearly non-existent before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has expanded rapidly. Zelensky revealed that Ukraine has contracted the production of 1.5 million drones this year alone.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that Ukraine has tripled its total domestic arms production in 2023 and doubled it again within the first eight months of this year, showcasing the nation’s resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing conflict.
