Ukraine Converts Humvees Into Starlink-Connected Remote Vehicles

Ukraine is converting US-supplied Humvees into remotely operated ground vehicles with a bolt-on system called Kaban. The kit leaves the vehicle’s structure intact and routes its primary control link through SpaceX’s Starlink.

Developer Drone Fight Group says it has delivered three converted High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles to Ukrainian formations: the 3rd Army Corps, the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Achilles,” and the 49th Brigade. More than 5,000 Humvees are in service in Ukraine through US military aid and grants.

Operators can switch between remote and manual driving. Kaban also supports analog video transmission and radio control as backup channels. The control station provides movement controls, headlights, infrared illumination, searchlights, two-way audio, and telemetry from the vehicle’s onboard computer.

Operators plot routes and markers on a digital map with a predicted trajectory overlay. If the vehicle’s GPS is jammed or spoofed, its position can be corrected manually. If the control link fails entirely, Kaban brings the vehicle to an automatic stop.

Optional equipment includes thermal cameras, searchlights, net launchers for incoming drones, and platforms for launching Ukrainian drones. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense recorded more than 100,000 UGV logistics and evacuation missions in 2026 through August 20 in the DELTA combat management system. Kaban’s approach uses vehicles a military already owns instead of waiting for purpose-built robots.