Satellite Communications Integrated into Ukrainian Raybird UAV to Expand Reconnaissance Range

Satellite communication has been integrated into the Ukrainian Raybird reconnaissance UAV, significantly extending its reconnaissance range.

Skyeton, the drone’s manufacturer, discussed the upgrade with Militarnyi.

The new capability greatly expands Raybird’s operational reach by eliminating previous limits on data transmission distance.

Thanks to this upgrade, drone operators can maintain a stable real-time video stream over much greater distances.

This is particularly important for conducting deep reconnaissance missions beyond the coverage of traditional ground-based communication systems.

Skyeton stated that Raybird is compatible with satellite communication (SATCOM) systems from various providers. This allows units operating the drone to choose the solution that best meets their operational needs.

The company delivered the first Raybird system equipped with satellite communications to a unit of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in 2025. Since then, the manufacturer has continued deploying SATCOM-enabled UAVs in the combat zone.

“We tested satellite communication not in laboratory conditions, but during real combat missions. Over the past year, we gathered detailed feedback directly from military operators. This experience allowed us to refine the integration of the new type of communication and ensure its stable operation in conditions involving electronic warfare systems and during long-duration missions,” Roman Kniazhenko, CEO of Skyeton, shared.

According to him, before scaling up production, the company needed to ensure that the satellite-enabled Raybird was fully ready for operational use.

Raybird

Raybird is designed for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. The production version of the UAV, powered by an internal combustion engine, can remain airborne for more than 28 hours continuously.

It can carry a wide range of interchangeable payloads, including gyrostabilized multisensor cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, and radio frequency detectors.

There is also a version of this reconnaissance drone equipped with a hydrogen-powered electric motor.