EW, Strike Drone and Ground Robot: Unwave Unveils Three New Battlefield Systems

Ukrainian miltech company Unwave and its partners held the Unwave 3rd Anniversary Demo Day to mark the company’s third anniversary.

At the event, which was also attended by Militarnyi, three new developments were presented at once: the Vikha EW system, the aircraft-type Steppe Wind strike drone and the Terrikon-X ground robotic system.

Previously, the company focused on EW systems, but it has now significantly expanded its product line and offers solutions ranging from countering drones to strike and logistical operations.

“One of our key strategic priorities has been production localization. In 2024, Unwave localized the development and manufacturing of jamming modules, creating a fully Ukrainian tactical electronic warfare system. We have also significantly reduced our dependence on Chinese components. Today, our modules can be manufactured using alternative components sourced from Europe, the United States, South Korea and Taiwan,” said Taras Bublyk, CEO of Unwave.

Vikha Electronic Warfare System

The Vikha electronic warfare system is a directional system designed to counter drones and protect key positions and logistics hubs. The system allows operators to counter enemy drones and provide cover at distances measured not in hundreds of meters but in kilometers.

“This is our most technologically advanced EW development. We have developed specialized algorithms to counter various modulation types. An experienced operator can jam a drone at a distance of several kilometers. How does it work? The operator marks the drone in the system, Vikha automatically points at it, the EW operator activates the algorithm, and Vikha automatically targets the drone and guides the jamming until it is suppressed,” said Anton, Unwave’s head of innovation.

The developers also note that they have achieved high reliability and accuracy of the rotary mechanism and variable antenna polarization, which the company specifically developed for this product.

Vikha is integrated into Unwave’s Pastka product management system, a software platform that manages the ecosystem of EW and electronic intelligence systems. The system supports remote control, integrates with detection and centralized control systems, and is also compatible with solutions from other manufacturers. In addition to instructions for Vikha, the company offers simulators that allow operators to quickly learn how to use the system without having the device itself.

Steppe Wind

The new strike system, developed jointly with Sky Composite Engineering, can engage ground targets at a depth of up to 90 km and carries a 5 kg warhead.

The Steppe Wind is already being tested by the military in real combat conditions. The drone can reach speeds of up to 170 km/h, use optical guidance during the final stage of flight and operate in three control modes: automatic, semi-automatic and manual.

The drone’s fuselage is made of composite materials. In addition, Steppe Wind does not require lengthy preparations for launch, and it takes off without a catapult.

“Deployment and preparation for takeoff take about two minutes. The drone is equipped with two powerful engines that provide sufficient thrust for takeoff. We already have feedback from the military — they say it is very easy to control,” added the Unwave representative.

The kamikaze drone can use either satellite or digital communications, depending on the user’s requirements.

According to the manufacturers, the product is positioned at an average price point. The UAV is already in serial production, and production capacity can reach hundreds of such drones per month.

In addition, Steppe Wind further expands the Unwave product ecosystem: it is also being considered as a carrier for electronic intelligence equipment.

Terrikon-X

For more than a year, work has been underway with Ixian to develop the specialized Terrikon-X UGV. The new system is designed to perform logistical and engineering tasks, including transporting cargo and evacuating other ground robotic systems.

Terrikon-X ground robotic system for logistical and engineering missions. Photo: Unwave

“A unique feature of the system that distinguishes it from other UGVs is its hydraulic system, which allows various modules to be installed and changed depending on the mission. There is no need to have a separate UGV for logistics and another for engineering tasks. For example, replacing the basket with a hook or gripper transforms the UGV for a different function, which is very convenient in frontline conditions,” said Oleksiy, a representative of Ixian.

The platform itself has a range of 40 km, and the ability to install additional batteries or an internal combustion engine can extend it even further.

Since the UGV can carry various payloads, it can also serve as a carrier for electronic warfare systems, for example, to provide cover for other ground systems during missions or protect stationary positions.

Unwave also invests in training users of its products. Taras Bublyk, CEO of Unwave, noted that the company plans to open training centers where military personnel will be able to learn to operate the new systems.

This will help accelerate the implementation of new technological solutions and increase the effectiveness of their use in combat.