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Ukraine Unveils New Battlefield Internet That Keeps Ground Robots Online, Even Without GPS
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian company Bravo Dynamics has introduced a new ground-based mesh communication system—Phantom 3.0—designed specifically for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), offering stable connectivity without the need for aerial relays, even under electronic warfare (EW) conditions.
According to Defense Express on June 12, the Phantom system establishes a resilient communication network using terrestrial nodes instead of airborne platforms, which are more vulnerable to detection and interference.
Unlike existing systems originally developed for UAVs, Phantom is tailored for ground robotic platforms and addresses the unique challenges of front-line operations.
Bravo Dynamics plans to complete Phantom 3.0 by the end of 2025.
The system will support up to five nodes per unit, utilize adaptive frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) for signal security, and feature modularity for easier integration. The expected maximum range is up to 80 km, operating across a wide frequency band from 150 MHz to 1.6 GHz.
The company reported that the earlier versions of Phantom have undergone testing in cooperation with Ukraine’s defense tech initiative Brave1. Field trials have shown promising results, with the developers claiming a 90% success rate in test scenarios.
The first commercial units were delivered in late 2024 for $25,000, and front-line evaluations led to further refinement of the system, resulting in Phantom 1.5.
As of mid-2025, Bravo Dynamics is finalizing Phantom 2.0, which will support up to three connected devices. The new version is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
Bravo Dynamics has signed a contract with Dwarf Engineers and letters of intent with CB Vepryk and Roboneers for integration and future deployments.
While the system is still under development, the project addresses a critical need in the operational use of unmanned ground vehicles.
As demand for UGVs continues to grow, the development of robust, EW-resistant communication systems remains a key focus in advancing autonomous ground combat capabilities.
Earlier in 2025, Ukraine’s Ardal ground robot, developed by BUREVII, successfully evacuated three encircled soldiers from the “gray zone” near Kupiansk. Despite Russian shelling, drones, and electronic warfare, the robot traveled 17 kilometers under fire and completed the mission without damage.
