German defense technology company ARX Robotics and Ukrainian firm ROBONEERS have completed initial integration tests of an armed uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) designed for frontline operations in Ukraine. The system combines ARX’s GEREON robotic vehicle with ROBONEERS’ remotely operated SABER weapons module. The companies expect to deliver the first equipped units to Ukrainian forces by the end of 2026.Announced on October 29, the demonstration marks a new phase in the two companies’ defense cooperation, which signed a partnership agreement in Kyiv earlier this month during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Ukraine. The agreement was signed in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.The combined platform is designed to provide remotely operated fire support and will allow soldiers to control the vehicle from a safer distance.GEREON platform combines mobility and firepowerDeveloped by ARX Robotics, GEREON is a modular uncrewed ground vehicle designed to perform different military missions. It provides the mobility, onboard power, and sensor capabilities. On the other hand, the SABER module developed by ROBONEERS adds remotely operated weapons.The initial integration involves two SABER configurations: M2, equipped with a .50-caliber M2 heavy machine gun, and MK 19 (M), which uses a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, according to Defense Blog. The SABER module is designed as a remotely operated weapon station, allowing personnel to control its functions without being physically positioned alongside the vehicle. Combined with GEREON’s cameras and sensors, the system can support reconnaissance and combat operations while reducing soldiers’ exposure to direct fire.According to ARX Robotics, the integration allows the vehicle and weapons module to operate as a single mission system, with the first M2 and MK 19 (M) configurations scheduled for integration by the end of 2026.Ground robots take on more frontline missionsThe GEREON platform is already being used in Ukraine in unarmed configurations for tasks such as transporting supplies, evacuating wounded personnel, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Its modular architecture lets the same vehicle family adapt be different operational requirements, rather than relying on separate platforms for every mission.The addition of SABER extends those applications to armed support. Depending on its configuration, the vehicle could provide remotely operated fire support while keeping troops farther from exposed positions.ARX Robotics describes GEREON as the largest fleet of Western-built uncrewed ground vehicles currently deployed in Ukraine. ROBONEERS, meanwhile, says its robotic systems have supported more than 15,000 frontline missions since 2014.The development reflects Ukraine’s growing use of ground robots for missions that would otherwise expose soldiers to artillery, small-arms fire, and drone attacks. Beyond carrying supplies and evacuating casualties, armed UGVs offer another way to provide support in areas where deploying personnel directly can be particularly dangerous.Germany and Ukraine expand robotics cooperationThe GEREON-SABER integration is part of a broader industrial partnership between the German and Ukrainian companies. ARX Robotics and ROBONEERS have also established a joint venture, ARX Industries, to expand production of another uncrewed ground vehicle, the Rys Pro, in Germany and Ukraine.The companies are targeting production of more than 1,000 Rys Pro vehicles during its first year, reflecting their ambition to scale robotic systems for military use.For the GEREON-SABER configuration, the immediate next step is integrating the first weapons modules and delivering the vehicles according to the operational requirements of Ukraine’s armed forces.