Four UGVs for different missions: what is known about Ukraine’s H.A.R.D.Y. robotic platforms

Defender Media has spotted the H.A.R.D.Y. lineup of UGVs on the Brave1 Market platform — information about which had not previously appeared in the media. The lineup includes four electric-powered models — ARGUS, MULE, FLEX, and VANGUARD. They differ in payload capacity, speed, operational range, and control systems, and are designed to perform various types of missions, from logistics to strike operations.

Defender spoke with the manufacturer of the H.A.R.D.Y. ground drones. The company is currently preparing these platforms for codification: they are undergoing trials in conditions close to combat, while the developers gather feedback from military personnel. Below is a detailed description of the four models.

H.A.R.D.Y. ARGUS is positioned as a heavy robotic platform for reconnaissance, logistics, and remote fire support. The system is engineered to operate under active electronic warfare conditions and features a redundant communications architecture. The UGV is equipped with two electric motors, a chain drive, four tubeless wheels, and an 80 Ah battery, providing an operational range of 40–50 km.

According to the manufacturer, ARGUS supports autonomous missions with waypoint navigation, patrol mode, and automatic return-to-base functionality in the event of signal loss. It is also outfitted with LiDAR for terrain mapping and obstacle avoidance. The maximum payload capacity is 80 kg, with a top speed of 15 km/h.

The UGV is priced at UAH 350,000.

H.A.R.D.Y. MULE is a compact logistics UGV designed to transport equipment, water, rations, medical supplies, batteries, and other cargo between positions. It is operated via the supplied radio controller within line-of-sight conditions. An onboard camera, autonomous navigation, and networked control are not included in the standard configuration.

The platform is equipped with two BLDC motors, airless puncture-resistant tires, and a cargo bed with mounting rails for securing loads. The recommended working payload is up to 80 kg, the maximum payload reaches up to 100 kg, and the operational range is up to 20 km. The chassis frame is constructed from industrial plywood with a protective polymer coating. The package includes the platform, a remote control unit, and a battery charger.

The MULE platform is priced at UAH 80,000.

H.A.R.D.Y. FLEX is a high-mobility unmanned ground vehicle designed for strike missions, breaching fortifications, and resupplying ammunition. According to the manufacturer, its articulated chassis enables it to negotiate trenches, craters, high kerbs, and other complex obstacles while maintaining continuous four-wheel contact with the terrain.

The platform features a dedicated control station with adaptive video streaming, anti-spoofing protection, and operational mode switching. It supports autonomous waypoint navigation, obstacle avoidance, and track-back routing along its recorded path in the event of communication loss.

The system reaches a maximum speed of 20 km/h, features an operational range of up to 20 km, and carries a maximum payload of 30 kg. The UGV is listed on Brave1 at UAH 160,000.

H.A.R.D.Y. VANGUARD is positioned as a high-speed kamikaze unmanned ground vehicle for one-way assault missions, breaching fortifications, and resupplying ammunition. It is engineered to operate in intense electronic warfare environments. Its maximum speed is 25 km/h, while its payload capacity reaches up to 30 kg.

The system is listed on Brave1 at UAH 150,000.