Khartiia conducted a fully robotic operation in Kupyansk

Copied! The Lava regiment of the 2nd Corps of the National Guard Khartiia conducted a fully robotic operation in Kupyansk, destroying a Russian strongpoint. The operation employed strike UAVs, kamikaze UGVs, and UGVs armed with TOR-800 thermobaric munitions, among other systems. The operation took place in February 2026; Khartiya has now published footage of it. As a result, the unit destroyed a strongpoint, an ammunition depot and eliminated 10 enemy soldiers. Lava says no Khartiia personnel were deployed on the battlefield, but adds that the operation was supported “behind the scenes” by the work of dozens of fighters. The Lava unmanned systems battalion was established in September 2025, and in April 2026 it scaled up to a regiment. It operates various types of UAVs and ground robotic systems, and is developing its own R&D directions, including integrating artificial intelligence into robotic control and developing combat applications for these systems. The regiment adds that it is looking for pilots, engineers, analysts, developers, radio electronics specialists, EW operators, and drivers. Those wishing to join the regiment can do so by filling out an application on the Khartiia website or through the recruitment centre at number 3333. Read more: Khartia forms ‘Lava’ unmanned systems battalion to centralise the corps’ latest robotic tech The corps also collaborates with Ukrainian communications systems manufacturer HIMERA. In particular, on the Slobozhansky axis, they ensured stable communications across difficult terrain through autonomous repeaters delivered by drones.