Dorozvidka #44: Numo Robotics, “Lava”, “Flash”, Sternenko, Sword Group, DevDroid, ZVOOK, and top interceptor drones

The share of domestically produced equipment in Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence procurement rose from 46% to 82% in 2025. As a result, the ministry reports that Ukraine’s defence industry received nearly UAH 430 billion.

What else Defender Media learned from official and media publications over the past week:

• Numo Robotics is developing wheeled UGVs and will mass-produce Maul evacuation drones;
• Serhii Sternenko and Serhii “Flash” have become advisers to Ukraine’s Minister of Defence;
• How the “Lava” battalion — the most technologically advanced unit of Khartiia — fights;
• The technologies used by the SOF unit Sword Group;
• What the tactical acoustic sensor from ZVOOK can do.

NUMO Robotics – у репортажі Zbroya

Новий випуск відеопроєкту Zbroya, що виходить на YouTube-каналі “Мілітарного” за підтримки Української ради зброярів, розповідає про проєкт NUMO Robotics. Донедавна компанія називалася “Танкове бюро”, але на початку 2026 року провела ребрендинг. 

NUMO Robotics — in a Zbroya report

A new episode of the Zbroya video project on Militarnyi’s YouTube channel, supported by the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers, focuses on NUMO Robotics. Until recently, the company was known as Tank Bureau, but it rebranded in early 2026.

NUMO Robotics develops ground robotic platforms for cargo transport, combat module integration, obstacle deployment, anti-personnel mine clearance, and the evacuation of other robots. Executive Director Nazar Pryimak said the company is currently developing a wheeled UGV and plans to mass-produce Maul evacuation drones.

How Khartiia’s most high-tech unit fights

Army TV released an interview with Volodymyr Mirchuk, commander of the “Lava” unmanned systems battalion of the 2nd NGU Corps Khartiia. Mirchuk’s path took him from entrepreneur to unit commander, with combat experience in the Territorial Defence Forces and marine infantry reconnaissance.

In the video, he explains how ground robotic systems keep logistics running where no armoured vehicle can pass, and why future wars will be a confrontation between “little tanks” and AI. He also discusses intense drone operations near Krynky, countering Russia’s “Rubicon,” the advantages of wheeled platforms over tracked ones, and how digitalisation and business analytics help destroy the enemy more effectively.

Technologies used by the SOF unit Sword Group

Assistant drones, ISR and strike drones, and ground robots for logistics — the SOF unit Sword Group shared details on how drone warfare is reshaping special operations.

In a Militarnyi report, unit members talk about:

• Operating conditions for SOF teams on the modern battlefield;
• Equipment and drones that enable deep insertion and superior situational awareness;
• The weapons used by Sword Group;
• Modern logistics with UGVs and casualty evacuation.

Tactical acoustic sensor by ZVOOK

Ukrainian defence tech startup ZVOOK unveiled the ZVOOK NW0 Ethernet tactical acoustic sensor, designed to detect enemy FPV drones by their flight sounds.

The company says the sensor was developed by a team of active servicemembers and IT engineers. It uses AI to analyse the acoustic environment around the clock and instantly respond to airborne threats. The detection range is 150–450 metres, with 360-degree coverage.

Upon detection, the sensor:

• Activates an audible alert;
• Transmits data to ZVOOK UI — an interface for monitoring dozens or hundreds of sensors on an interactive map in real time.

The manufacturer notes a high level of protection against dust, water, and mechanical impact (IP67), enabling use in harsh combat and weather conditions. The system supports remote firmware updates, allowing continuous improvement against new threat types.

“From a failed prototype to the world’s first robot that kills Russian armour”: the DevDroid story

Mind published an in-depth article on DevDroid, a Ukrainian developer and manufacturer of UGVs and combat modules. Starting with a remote turret, the company gradually tackled a deeper issue: the fragmented UGV market, where each manufacturer builds a control system from scratch and troops must adapt to each one.

The path to a universal ground-drone control system was anything but linear, involving the risk of shutdown, a failed prototype, and multiple frontline trials.

Top 8 interceptor drones by Osiris AI

Ukrainian defence tech startup Osiris AI, which develops an operating system for drones, published a ranking of the best interceptor drones based on its experts’ assessments. Ukrainian-made systems dominate the list.

First place goes to STING by Wild Hornets, second to the Ukrainian–British Octopus project, and sixth to P1-SUN by SkyFall.

View the full ranking.

“Flash” and Sternenko become advisers to the Minister of Defence

Mykhailo Fedorov announced that renowned EW and weapons expert Serhii “Flash” has become an adviser to the Minister of Defence on technology. “He is one of the strongest hands-on experts in drones, electronic warfare, and adversary capability analysis,” Fedorov said.

Flash’s expertise includes communications, EW systems, and reconnaissance. Fedorov noted that Flash was the first to report Russia’s use of FPV drones with machine vision and jet-powered Shaheds. “His current focus is on systemic solutions against Russian strike and reconnaissance UAVs,” the minister added.

Volunteer Serhii Sternenko has also been appointed as an adviser to the Minister of Defence, where he will work on improving the effectiveness of UAV use at the front.