Eugene Gerstein, FRAeS, Presents Operational Lessons from the HEEMAR UGV in Ukraine
At the 2025 Armored Vehicles USA Conference, Eugene Gerstein, FRAeS, Managing Partner at INKAS® Aerospace & Defense, delivered a keynote address highlighting the evolving role of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in modern warfare. His keynote, “Unmanned Ground Vehicles in Modern Warfare,” drew from front-line combat deployments of the INKAS® HEEMAR UGV in Ukraine and offered a sobering assessment of where UGVs stand—and where they are headed.
Combat-Proven in Ukraine
Gerstein opened his remarks by detailing the unprecedented, field-led evolution of military UGVs in Ukraine. The HEEMAR UGV, developed by INKAS®, has become a workhorse for infantry, special operations, and territorial defense forces—executing combat support, supply delivery, remote demolition, and casualty evacuation under live fire.
“Military units aren’t waiting for centralized procurement,” said Gerstein. “They’re acquiring and deploying these systems directly. And they’re saving lives doing it.”
Use cases cited during the talk included one-way demolition missions against hardened enemy positions, delivery of ammunition into urban kill zones, and fiber-optically controlled evacuations from electronic warfare-suppressed environments.
Tactical Versatility, Operational Maturity
Gerstein’s analysis charted the HEEMAR’s broad mission adaptability:
- Autonomous delivery of provisions and munitions across contested ground
- Integration with aerial ISR platforms for synchronized reconnaissance
- Remote mine-laying and engineering barrier deployment
- Evacuation of wounded under active engagement
The HEEMAR’s robust communications, long-endurance power systems, and configurable payloads were cited as critical enablers in combat zones where human access was limited or lethal.
UGV Development Across Theaters
The keynote drew comparisons between Ukraine’s grassroots UGV innovation model and formalized efforts in the U.S. military. Gerstein outlined current U.S. service branch initiatives—including the Marine Corps’ adoption timeline and the Navy’s open solicitation for unified UGV architecture—as signals of growing institutional momentum.
However, he cautioned: “Doctrine is still catching up. Tactical formations must evolve to meaningfully integrate autonomous ground systems.”
Looking Ahead
Gerstein concluded by identifying three trends shaping the UGV landscape:
- AI autonomy enables complex independent decision-making
- The rise of ethical and legal considerations around lethal autonomy
- A widening demand for multi-domain interoperability, especially across allied forces
About INKAS® Aerospace & Defense
INKAS® Aerospace & Defense, a division of INKAS® Group, delivers advanced aerospace, defense, and unmanned systems solutions to military, government, and law enforcement clients worldwide. From tactical UGVs to counter-UAS technologies and secure battlefield communications, INKAS® is committed to engineering platforms that succeed in the most complex operational environments.