Ground drone medical evacuation concepts

BLUF: Ground drones minimize risks for evacuation teams, reducing exposure to enemy fire. They can operate under challenging conditions but need significant investment: including suspension, medical equipment, and protection.

In other news: Ukraine’s government voted for cybersecurity reform, which will create a unified system for responding to cyber threats. Maxar’s new product, Raptor, can help Ukrainian drones in GPS-denied territories with 3D maps. 

THE BIG STORY: Evacuating soldiers using ground drones

In a near-peer conflict, the traditional American concept of a ‘golden hour’ to evacuate the wounded for medical care has been severely challenged. The constant threat of coming under drone attack means that evacuation must take place much more carefully, increasing the amount of time to reach a stabilization point.

Lately, Ukrainian soldiers started using ground drones not only for logistics but also for evacuating injured soldiers. 

Recently the Ukrainian ground drone 'Ardal' saved the lives of three injured soldiers who had been encircled for a month, according to Mykhailo Federov, the minister of digital transformation.

To do so, more than 50 people participated in an operation in which a drone operated for more than 17 kilometers while under shelling. As a result, soldiers were evacuated from one of the most dangerous areas of the battlefield.

Ground drones are smaller and more challenging to detect – and they don’t get tired. This concept allows for evacuation when it's impossible to send an armored evacuation vehicle, reducing risks to medical personnel. 

However, they present additional risks: right now there are no ground drones designed explicitly for evacuation, meaning that they currently serve as ad hoc shuttles to safer areas. 

With no equipment monitoring vital signs, and no medics on board to offer stabilization in case of patient deterioration, ground drones have a lot of room for development.  

During the last few years, the ground drone market in Ukraine has grown significantly. In 2024, a Ukrainian manufacturer produced dozens of ground drones per month. But now they produce hundreds, said Maksym Vasylchenko, co-founder and director of Tencore, a manufacturer of a ground drone TerMIT. 

Despite the rapid growth, the army demands even more: thousands per year. 

Main scenarios for employing drones in medical evacuations 

Ground drones have a large payload capacity – its main advantage over its aerial counterparts.

Some models can lift as much as 300 kg (660 lbs), a cargo capacity many times greater than infantry can carry. On the frontlines, soldiers may use ground drones as a ‘mechanical horse,’ explained a soldier with the call sign ‘Batya’ ('Father' in English), who operates land drones in an assault unit. 

The cargo capacity can evacuate a fully equipped soldier directly from the site of injury. To do so, the wounded soldier needs to climb onto the drone alone or with the help of comrades. The soldier is then evacuated to a temporary casualty collection point. 

The evacuation needs to be managed from an aerial Mavic drone if the distance between a wounded soldier and the collection point is more than one km, said Batya. Usually, ground drone cameras allow only for observation in the direction of travel.

Adding an aerial drone to the evacuation process also enhances security, allowing better situational awareness and the anticipation of potential ambushes.

Evacuation drones can be staged two to ten km away from the frontlines, ready for a mission if necessary. 

Russia has followed Ukraine's lead and also develops ground drones. At least three models of Russian ground drones are available for evacuation. 

These include the ground FPV drone 'Depesha,' which can be used for kamikaze missions, and carries 150 kg of weight. The second is 'Baggie', which has 250 kg lifting power. Both are developed by the Russian state corporation Rostec. The third Russian evacuation drone is the 'Impuls-M'. Russians claim that it can carry 500 kg. 

Lack of specialized ground drones for evacuation 

Ground drones were primarily developed for logistics, not for evacuation. And this is a primary problem, said Denys Dankov, third class sergeant at the Unmanned Systems Directorate at the Third assault brigade. 

There are numerous challenges in the current ground drones used for evacuation, said Dankov and his comrade ‘Stark’, the platoon commander of the Unmanned Systems unit:

• Lack of medical equipment, which can be used to stabilize wounded soldiers;

• No protection of personnel onboard;

• Suspension required to avoid additional traumas during transport;

• Equipment to hold the wounded soldier’s torso or/and head in a stabilized position;

• Low speed: the average speed of ground drones is around 8-10 km per hour – and in times of medical emergency, getting to a stabilization point is a priority; 

• Signal challenges between the operator and the drone.

Currently, there's no definitive solution for protection, said Vasylchenko. His firm works on prototypes based on pilots' and evacuated soldiers' experiences. Physical protection may include ballistic blankets or armor on the drone.

Developers may also install electronic warfare systems to protect against drones, with a removed button on the operator’s controller to turn it on and off.

The other technical challenges are signal strength and EW, as drones are mostly radio-controlled. Drone producer Stohid guarantees communication and video connection in the 1,300-meter range. It also has a connection without video at a 3 km range — at this distance, a ground drone will not ‘show a picture’ from its camera, but it may be navigated via an aerial drone.

Despite all the challenges, ground drones have two main advantages. Their small size allows them to reach places unavailable to regular evacuation vehicles like pickup trucks or armored vehicles. And they reduce the threats to evacuation teams.

BUSINESS LUNCH TOPICS: What our reporting shows!

1. Maxar creates non-GPS navigation system for drones

Maxar Intelligence, an American satellite company, has launched Raptor, a visual navigation system for operations in GPS-denied areas. Raptor enables drones to rely on 3D satellite maps of the world and be navigated without GPS. 

Maxar created a 3D map covering 90 million square kilometers using satellite imagery. During flight, a drone can overlay its ongoing video feed on a map and compare the two in order to estimate its location. 

Operators can pre-download the 3D map of the mission area. So, internet at forward positions is necessary only if mission needs change.

The system consists of three components:

• Raptor Guide – vision-based positioning software loaded directly onto a drone to determine its aerial position;

• Raptor Sync – software that receives the full-motion video feed from the drone’s onboard camera and compares it with Maxar's 3D terrain data in real-time;

• Raptor Ace – a program installed on a laptop that works alongside drone controllers, enabling operators to extract real-time ground coordinates of the target.

Maxar is already in talks with Ukrainian drone manufacturers about the potential usage of Raptor, Anders Linder, SVP & general manager at Maxar Intelligence, told Counteroffensive.Pro. 

Most of Ukraine's territory has already been scanned for 3D maps, added Mitch Free, Maxar’s chief solutions architect. 

"For all of Russia, I'm pretty sure that we don't have all parts of, for example, Northeast Siberia," Linder responded when asked about a 3D map of Russia.

Russia is on Maxar’s black list, and they should be unable to get access to any of the company’s products.

2. A new Ukrainian 24-inch drone with a 40 km range was tested on a range

Two Ukrainian companies Dwarf Engineering and Drone Space Labs tested the Banderyk-24 (B-24) drone, which can be used for different operations:

• Kamikaze with a payload of up to seven kilograms;

• Reconnaissance;

• Relay carrying;

• Bomb dropping.

"The end user can independently change the drone's purpose depending on the task at hand," Oleksandr Bakhmach, CTO of Dwarf Engineering, told Counteroffensive.Pro.

One of the main features is a guidance system that can aim at targets from up to two kilometers away. It can operate independently of the Global Navigation Satellite System, with a local map loaded into the drone’s memory. During the flight, the drone compares the images with pictures from its camera. In that way, the B-24 is resistant to enemy jamming because it did not communicate with the operator during the flight.

A few countries are already interested in this drone, added Vladyslav Piotrovskyi, CEO of Dwarf Engineering. This includes the United Kingdom and several other states. Tests were held in Lithuania because Drone Space Labs has an office abroad.

3. Ukrainian startup developing mother drone concept

A Ukrainian-born startup, Stratforce Solution, has developed an MFQ10A drone that works fully autonomously on a pre-planned mission. For spatial orientation, the developers use a system consisting of:

• Four digital cameras.

• Onboard AI.

• Two range finders.

The developers' main idea is to create a system with a mother drone carrying a few MFQ10A to fly up to 300 km and launch them inside the enemy’s territory.

The MFQ10A drone ranges from 30 to 40 kilometers, depending on its body frame and battery size. It can carry a payload of up to four kilograms.

"The main thing we do is replace the operator and his behavior through autopilot emulation," Andrii, CTO at Stratforce Solution, told Counteroffensive.Pro. 

The startup plans to launch the serial production of autonomous drones in a few months. Currently, the drone is being tested in combat conditions, including testing with the mother drone. 

4. Ukraine launches cybersecurity reform

Last Thursday, Ukraine’s government adopted a draft law №11290 on ‘Information Protection and Cyber Defense of State Information Resources, Critical Information Infrastructure Objects’ in the second reading. 

The law establishes a unified system for responding to cyberattacks and cyber threats in Ukraine. 

Each infrastructure facility will have designated individuals responsible for cybersecurity. The State Service of Special Communications (SSSC) will approve candidates, except for in:

• The National Police;

• Security Service of Ukraine (SBU);

• Intelligence agencies;

• The MoD and General Staff;

• The National Bank, and 

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The response system will include CERT-UA, which researches and addresses cyberattacks as part of the SSSC. They will handle it with representatives from the National Police, SBU, and regional response teams. Plans also include involving private teams. A center within the National Security and Defense Council will coordinate all this.

This law is part of Ukraine’s commitments under the EU Ukraine Facility Plan, which should be approved in early 2025. Ukraine must follow the EU’s NIS2 directive, which sets standard cybersecurity rules for key sectors. Every country must create a national cybersecurity strategy and cooperate with EU members to handle cyber threats together.

5. How Europe can withstand Russia with the Ukrainian Experience

The European defense industry has long been underfunded. Now, Europe needs to change and be ready not only to defend itself but also to defeat Russia, writes Benjamin Tallis, director of the Democratic Strategy Initiative, in his recent paper "Emerging Defence: Offset and Competitive Strategies for Europe" (PDF link).

European manufacturers must build cheap mass production, utilize AI, and cooperate with Ukrainian companies to respond to the Russian threat, Tallis argues.

The Ukrainian experience in terms of innovation creation and integration should be implemented by European defense companies. But for this, Europe needs to change its regulations and approach to defense, Tallis told Counteroffensive.Pro. 

For instance, banks should change their policies regarding financing defense (read our coverage of that issue here). Also, Europe's Environment, Social, and Governance rules prevent some banks and venture funds from investing in defense or dual-use startups.

"Well, first of all, [Europe] must learn from their [Ukraine's] experience and make sure that Europeans understand the challenges of producing under supply chain pressure and also under battlefield pressure," said Tallis to Counteroffensive.Pro.

Due to European regulations, establishing a defense company may take two years. This time has to be reduced to six months, he said. This process is regulated at the EU level and the national level of EU members. The most time-consuming applications are compliance and security clearance, as well as license and export permits. 

Tallis also emphasizes the need to increase the number of joint ventures. Ukrainian experience will help train European colleagues.

Ukrainian orders/legislation we’re tracking: 

By: Oksana Zabolotna

Legalization of private military companies

Draft Law: No. 11214 dated April 26, 2024

Stage: Sent for review to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.

Initiator: MP Serhii Hryvko (“Servant of the People”)

Proposals:

• The introduction of "international defense companies" (private military companies or PMC) in Ukraine, which are currently prohibited;

• PMCs will be allowed to operate only under a license; 

• The operation of PMCs will be regulated by the State Service of Ukraine for International Defense Companies – a new state body under the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine;

• PMCs might be used to protect individuals, legal entities, and property; for tactical training of international security forces; for demining; for defense services to Ukraine’s allies; and participation in joint operations with Ukrainian forces after the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).

Why it is important:

PMCs may become a workplace for veterans who will not want to return to civilian life after the war. This could be a means of reducing societal tension (as it works in the USA and the UK), but also to cooperate with partner countries.

Link to Defense Tech:

The introduction of PMCs in Ukraine could stimulate demand for new technologies, especially in areas such as drones, cybersecurity, and military systems’ automation. Competition will increase among companies developing innovative solutions for PMCs, and there will be a need for new platforms to integrate various technologies. 

What’s next: The draft law has not been reviewed by a parliamentary committee for a year. It is unclear when the deputies will provide their opinion on it. The Ministry of Defense has raised concerns about the project, as in their opinion, it violates the Constitution of Ukraine and the Geneva Conventions. According to the Constitution, the creation and operation of any armed formations not envisaged by law are prohibited in Ukraine. Whether these PMCs are considered “armed formations,” and whether the draft law will be sufficient to qualify for the “envisage” language are open questions.

ON THE MOVE: Professional movement, promotions and industry news.

Know someone in the defense tech space who has made a professional move? Drop us a line at [email protected]! 

• Steven Simoni was promoted to president at Allen Control Systems, a developer of robotics systems. He previously held the position of CEO.

• Anastasiia Ostrovska established a new agency, Ostrovska Consulting, specializing in event management, strategic communications, and PR in cybersecurity, international relations, and technologies. Previously, she was a communications advisor at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center.

• Artur Kachur started a new position as a deployment strategist at Palantir Technologies, an AI software company. Previously, he was an investment manager at MITS Capital, which invests in Ukraine’s defense startups.

30 SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH:

ZTX LLC is developing electronic warfare systems. Their Shulyka 5.0 project is complete, with all design documentation in place. The system can be installed on vehicles or stationary positions. It operates across five frequency bands and is designed to protect against FPV drones and drones like Mavic/Autel. The effective suppression radius ranges from 70 to 260 meters, depending on local terrain conditions. The system also features protection against overheating and overload.

"Right now, we're seeking $95,000 to launch serial production of the Shulyka 5.0 dome-based EW," said Mykola Kyrylovych, director of ZTX and head of the project 'ZTX Power for the AFU.’

MUST READS:

• Denmark introduced a 130 million euro state guarantee to encourage Danish companies to invest in Ukraine’s defense. The guarantee will cover up to 70% of Danish companies’ equity investments in Ukrainian miltech companies, and it will run for up to 7 years.

• Ukrainian developers are testing an FPV drone equipped to detect electronic warfare systems. The drone’s built-in signal receiver detects emission sources across 12 frequency bands and determines their distance based on signal strength.

• Ukraine will exchange technologies with countries that will provide security guarantees, President Zelenskyy said. This includes drones and air defense missile technologies.

• Dutch VC NUNC Capital BV has allocated a 20 million euro fund to invest in Ukrainian defense startups.

• Ukrainian startups HIMERA, M-Fly, and Bavovna are on the list of seven defense and dual-use startups that must be watched by The Recursive outlet.

• More than 15 Ukrainian manufacturers have tested fiber optic FPV drones with a 20 km range in the military range. Also, during the event, seven ground drones on optic fiber were tested.

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