Khartiia brigade saves another wounded soldier with UGV — this time, the Zmiy-500 drone takes the spotlight

The Zmiy-500 armoured UGV has successfully completed a dual mission, delivering provisions, fuel and water to the front line before evacuating a wounded infantryman, the press service of the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine Khartiia has reported. The soldier, who had sustained a serious leg injury, was in a moderate condition at the time of evacuation.

The operation had been planned in advance. The Zmiy-500 set off along a designated route to an infantry position close to the evacuation point, carrying essential supplies on board. After a rapid unloading, the platform was reconfigured to transport the wounded soldier.

The mission faced significant challenges, including heavily damaged field roads and the constant threat posed by enemy UAVs. Nevertheless, the drone safely completed the 34-kilometre route and delivered the casualty to a medical evacuation point.

In late December 2024, the armoured ground logistics drone “Zmiy Logistichny” was officially approved for service in Ukraine’s Defence Forces. According to the manufacturer, the platform weighs 850 kilograms and can carry up to 500 kilograms of cargo in its storage compartment. Its specialised armour enables it to withstand attacks from strike drones and detonations from anti-personnel mines.

The developer and manufacturer of the Zmiy UGV line is the Ukrainian company Rovertech. Recently, together with DevDroid, it also unveiled a new reconnaissance and strike UGV, the Zmiy Droid 12.7.

Previously, drones such as the “Ardal” and “Heavy Shot” have also been used for casualty evacuation. In the latter case, the drone delivered an electric bicycle to an injured serviceman.