In a special military operations area, discussions have emerged about using unmanned trucks to carry ammunition and humanitarian supplies. Evgeniy Dudorov, executive director of NPO Androidnaya Tekhnika, spoke about these developments and their potential role in the field.
He indicated that efforts are underway to halt and transform off-road, driverless trucks to serve the interests of the operation. The aim is to shift away from traditional manned vehicles toward autonomous platforms that can operate in dangerous zones while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way.
Dudorov acknowledged that in the near term, unmanned trucks are likely to become visible on the battlefield or in related supply corridors. A major hurdle remains: the absence of robust navigation and reliable communication networks within contested areas. Yet, he stressed that these gaps are solvable with ongoing research and adaptation of existing technologies.
The organization’s spokesperson outlined a range of tasks for autonomous trucks within the special operations zone. Potential roles include delivering ammunition, medical supplies, and food, as well as evacuating the wounded. Each of these functions could reduce exposure to danger for personnel and improve the efficiency of critical missions.
Dudorov added that a prototype unmanned truck is currently undergoing testing. The testing process aims to validate autonomous navigation, load handling, and fail-safe protocols under realistic conditions, ensuring the vehicle can operate reliably despite challenging environments.
Historically, engineers in the region had previously developed attachments to convert conventional trucks into unmanned platforms. These early efforts laid the groundwork for more sophisticated autonomous systems and provided valuable lessons about integration with existing fleets and field operations.
Experts involved in the project emphasize that a successful deployment would rely on a combination of advanced sensors, secure communications, and robust control software. They also acknowledge the importance of human oversight, with remote operators prepared to intervene if autonomous systems face unexpected situations or system faults. The ongoing work signals a broader move toward greater autonomy in supply chains and medical logistics within high-risk zones, driven by the need to protect personnel while maintaining mission effectiveness.