Ukrainian robots make combat airdrops and clear mines in Operation Vivaldi

Ukraine's Third Army Corps conducted a world-first airborne assault by air-dropping ground robots more than six miles behind Russian lines on September 21, 2026. Robots also cleared mines from over 18 miles of routes, supporting Operation Vivaldi, which has liberated up to 96 square miles of territory.

• Heavy bomber drones air-dropped explosive ground robots over 6 miles behind Russian lines
• Robots cleared mines from more than 18 miles of routes, replacing two sapper companies
• Robots handle about 60% of mine-clearing tasks in the corps' area of operations
• Operation Vivaldi has reclaimed up to 96 square miles of Ukrainian territory