When talking about military technology, one immediately thinks of drones, sensors, and armor. But in the field, it is often something much simpler that decides whether a vehicle “lives” or “dies”: mobility. A flat tire, in an area full of debris and shrapnel, can stop a vehicle and turn it into a target or a logistical problem.
From this need arises a curious and promising solution: segmented airless wheels, developed by the Ukrainian startup Qirim Technology, designed to eliminate the risk of punctures by replacing the traditional tire with a structure of solid modules mounted on a metal frame.
How it works: modules replaceable in minutes
Instead of a “continuous” air-inflated tire, the wheel is composed of interchangeable segments: if a part is damaged, there is no need to change everything. Only the affected segment is replaced, reducing downtime and repair complexity, especially in difficult operational conditions.
According to the company, the segments can also be produced with recycled vulcanized rubber and are designed to maintain traction and flexibility on challenging terrains like mud and snow, typical of frontline scenarios.
Why it interests the future of the “wheeled fleet” (including Italian)
This technology is particularly suitable for unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) and unmanned vehicles: platforms that operate in areas full of metal fragments and often cannot afford long or risky repairs. A UGV stopped due to a puncture can mean a failed mission, or worse, recovery under threat.
Qirim Technology also claims that the system is scalable in various sizes, with the prospect of adapting it to larger vehicles. For a modern army, the direction is clear: fewer stops, less vulnerability, more operational continuity. For the Italian Army, a possible “realistic” path would be to observe and test these wheels first on ground robotics and engineering vehicles, where the advantage of not stopping for a tire is immediate and measurable.
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