UGVs and USVs: Why Reliable and Resilient Communications Are Vital for Their Future on the Digital Battlefield

The Rise of Uncrewed Systems

Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) are rapidly moving from prototypes to frontline enablers. Medium to large platforms are now used for ISR, logistics, mine clearance, and combat roles. They offer scale and persistence while reducing risks to human operators.

But these platforms have an Achilles’ heel: connectivity.

Uncrewed ground vehicles are inherently data-intensive, with their autonomy and mission algorithms depending on continuous bandwidth. As seen in recent conflicts, when communications weaken, operations slow down or stop; when links are lost due to jamming, these systems become exposed and vulnerable.

The Electromagnetic Battlefield

Modern conflict revolves around spectrum control as much as firepower. Jamming, spoofing, and cyber disruptions now target the digital lifelines of unmanned systems. Relying on a single SATCOM network or fragile terrestrial link is a recipe for failure in this environment.

The solution is multi-orbit resilience. GEO satellites provide persistent coverage, MEO constellations offer regional high-throughput capacity, and LEO systems deliver low-latency, harder-to-jam links. Running these layers simultaneously is the only way to ensure continuity under contested conditions.

From Assets to Nodes

UGVs and USVs are no longer just specialized platforms; they are evolving into digital nodes in a networked battlespace.

• UGVs can escort convoys, provide electronic warfare coverage, or deliver autonomous resupply.
• USVs patrol littorals, conduct mine countermeasures, or extend surveillance across maritime chokepoints.

Their true value lies in integration. In concepts like Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), data must flow seamlessly across land, sea, air, space, and cyber. Without resilient communications, UGVs and USVs remain isolated. With reliable links, they strengthen the entire force.

Hydra: Building Resilience Into the Network

This is where ALL.SPACE’s Hydra terminals make the difference. Hydra terminals are designed for this contested environment, enabling resilient multi-link, multi-orbit connectivity on mobile platforms.

• Resilience: Simultaneous GEO, MEO, and LEO links eliminate single points of failure.
• EW Resistance: Lens-based RF architecture offers over 20 dB resilience against jamming.
• Reliability: Vector-based monopulse tracking ensures stable links during mobile land operations and in challenging sea conditions.
• Compact SWaP: Low-profile design integrates easily onto UGVs and USVs without compromising payloads.

By maintaining continuous data flow, Hydra terminals transform uncrewed vehicles from vulnerable targets into resilient assets, changing them from “sitting ducks” to mission-ready systems.

Why It Matters

The digital battlefield is defined by data-driven, spectrum-contested operations. UGVs and USVs embody this transformation. They are indispensable for high-tempo ISR, autonomous logistics, and electronic warfare missions, but only if they remain connected.

Hydra terminals ensure they do. For commanders, this means confidence that bandwidth will be available, adversarial jamming will not sever links, and uncrewed assets will continue to deliver effects in the fight.

The Road Ahead

The communication load will only increase as concepts like autonomy, AI, and swarming evolve. Militaries that can ensure resilient connectivity for their uncrewed fleets will have the upper hand.

In tomorrow’s conflicts, resilience in the electromagnetic spectrum will be as crucial as armor or firepower. Hydra terminals provide that resilience, allowing UGVs and USVs to serve as key nodes in the digital battlefield.