Ukrainian Startup Launches Production of Segmented Combat Wheels

Ukrainian startup Qirim Technology has launched production of segmented airless wheels designed for installation on wheeled drones and military engineering vehicles, the company announced as it began supplying the new systems to Ukrainian military units.

The wheels are currently being transferred to frontline formations free of charge through volunteer-funded support organized by the manufacturer.

According to Qirim Technology, the newly introduced wheels eliminate punctures entirely by replacing traditional air-filled tires with a segmented structure composed of airless modules. Each wheel consists of interchangeable segments mounted onto a steel frame, allowing damaged sections to be replaced rapidly without removing or rebuilding the entire wheel assembly.

As noted by the developer, the primary advantage of the design is “the complete absence of punctures,” since the wheel is built from solid, non-pneumatic components rather than pressurized rubber tires. The company said individual segments can be replaced quickly in field conditions if damaged during operations.

The manufacturer stated that the wheel segments are produced using recycled raw vulcanized rubber, which is then mounted onto a structural steel framework. This configuration is intended to combine durability with flexibility while maintaining traction across multiple terrain types.

According to Qirim Technology, the wheels are engineered to provide high mobility across difficult surfaces, including snow-covered terrain and muddy field roads commonly encountered in frontline areas. The company said the modular design improves cross-country performance while reducing downtime caused by tire damage.

Interest in the system has primarily come from developers and operators of unmanned ground vehicles, which often encounter sharp metal fragments and debris during combat operations. Ground drones used for logistics delivery, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, and explosive ordnance transport frequently suffer mobility losses due to punctured tires.

The company added that because segmented wheels can be produced in multiple sizes, the technology is not limited to small robotic platforms. Qirim Technology said the design is adaptable for installation on armored vehicles and heavy engineering equipment, expanding potential military and dual-use applications.

“We are ready to manufacture wheels of any size on request. Whether standard 11.00 R16 for the Puma armored personnel carrier, 12.00 R20 for the Stryker or BTR-80, or 14.00 R20 for the VAB and M1117 — we adapt the design to your needs. Simply provide specifications such as rim diameter, width, axle load, and other parameters, and our engineers will create the optimal solution,” the manufacturer said in a statement.

In practical military terms, airless segmented wheels differ from traditional tires by removing reliance on internal air pressure. Instead of a single continuous tire structure, the wheel is divided into multiple load-bearing sections attached to a rigid frame. If one segment is damaged, mobility can be preserved while the affected section is replaced, reducing the logistical burden associated with spare tires and repair operations.

Such systems are particularly relevant for unmanned platforms operating without onboard crews capable of conducting complex repairs under fire. Maintaining mobility is considered essential for robotic systems tasked with delivering supplies or evacuating equipment in contested zones.