KYIV, — Ukraine's MAUL unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), developed by defence company AIDronesUA, has reached 90 km/h (56 mph) during a frontline medical evacuation mission. The vehicle maintained 78 km/h (48 mph) while returning with a wounded soldier onboard.
AIDronesUA CEO Kostiantyn Hushcha announced the achievement on November 11 during the European Defence Innovation Forum 2026 in the Netherlands. The speed figures were reported by the 1st Separate Medical Battalion, which conducted the mission approximately six days earlier.
MAUL UGV Design and Protection
The MAUL is a four-wheel-drive vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. It has a 15-litre fuel tank, 200 mm of ground clearance and a range of up to 110 km on paved roads and 90 km off-road.
Its armoured evacuation capsule protects wounded soldiers from shrapnel and drone-dropped munitions. Patients are secured with three restraint straps, while an interior camera allows operators to monitor them during transport.
The vehicle uses airless metal wheels designed for rough terrain and mine resistance. In an earlier mission, a MAUL completed a 64-km evacuation despite a damaged wheel. It measures approximately 2.3 metres in length and carries a payload of up to 200 kg.
New Upgrades Against Drone Threats
AIDronesUA is testing compact net launchers to intercept incoming FPV drones and integrating frequency scanners to detect potential threats. The company is also developing a medical monitoring system to remotely track patients' vital signs during evacuation.
The MAUL uses the Droid Box control system, which supports multiple communication methods, including a fibre-optic connection with a range of up to 20 km. This helps maintain control in electronic warfare and signal-jamming environments.
Joint Production in Sweden
AIDronesUA has established a joint venture with Swedish company Njord Technology (NJORD Technology AB) following a strategic memorandum signed at Eurosatory 2026.
The partnership plans to establish a Swedish manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 400–500 MAUL vehicles, primarily for Ukraine's Security and Defence Forces. AIDronesUA will retain intellectual property rights and lead further development, while Njord Technology will provide manufacturing and engineering support.
The latest speed record improves on the battalion's August 2026 figures of 82 km/h without a casualty and 64 km/h with a wounded soldier onboard. Typical evacuation speeds have ranged between 30 and 40 km/h.
The MAUL is designed to reduce the time wounded soldiers spend in exposed frontline areas while providing remotely operated medical evacuation.
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