The Contra-drone NEO, a wheeled ground robot equipped with an expanded electronic warfare system, has been developed by the Ukrainian company Contra-drone. The robot is capable of protecting positions and military groups from drones during missions.

Source: Oboronka, a defence industry project created by Mezha.Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company

Details: A representative of the manufacturing company told Oboronka that the ground robotic system is equipped with a 10‑channel electronic warfare system capable of countering FPV and Mavic drones.

It has two types of antennas: a dome antenna (operating in all directions) and a directional antenna (operating only in the direction pointed by the operator but with greater power).

The directional antenna, located at the front of the robot, is needed to counter drones such as the Mavic and Autel. The operator can adjust its angle to target an enemy drone performing reconnaissance or carrying a payload.

Antennas of electronic warfare systems on the Contra-drone NEO. Photo: Oboronka

The round robotic system can carry a 300‑kg load over 30 km and reaches speeds of up to 15 km/h.

The robot is equipped with tubeless tyres capable of withstanding an anti‑personnel mine blast. The Contra-drone NEO can rotate 360 degrees on the spot, turning in the required direction.

The robot can be controlled via Starlink, which serves as the primary communication method. If the drone moves into bushes or forested areas and loses connection, the operator switches to radio control. The radio‑control range is 5 km.

A daylight and a thermal‑imaging camera are installed in the direction of movement. During missions, an aerial reconnaissance UAV assists the operator by adjusting the route and identifying threats.

Antennas of electronic warfare systems on the Contra-drone NEO. Photo: Oboronka

Contra-drone noted that several applications were envisaged during development. The platform of the robot can deliver supplies to frontline positions or evacuate the wounded. The electronic warfare equipment mounted above the platform can be removed so the robot can be adapted for other tasks.

Several units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already purchased Contra-drone NEO robots. The price of a robot varies depending on configuration but starts at approximately UAH 1.2 million (about US$28,400).

Background: Earlier, Oboronka reported that the Ukrainian company RATEL had presented a new robot with improved speed, stability and armour features.

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