Ukraine Develops Grim LTE Modem to Help Control Drones Without Starlinks

Ukrainian company Militech Group has developed the Grim LTE modem to help control drones when access to Starlink is restricted.

The company told Militarnyi that the device increases LTE transmission power to 1.5 watts — six times that of a standard LTE modem — and provides a stable connection even when the mobile network signal is very weak.

In October, most units along the line of contact began reporting significant delays in data transmission via Starlink, a communications channel essential for controlling FPV drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).

Under these conditions, restrictions on Starlink operations could effectively leave units across the entire front line partially without their unmanned capabilities. Drones and UGVs currently perform between 50% and 90% of combat tasks, ranging from reconnaissance and strikes against equipment to logistics and mine-laying.

In today’s combat environment, communications with unmanned systems are maintained through fiber-optic spools, military Starshield terminals, the Starlink network and LTE modems connected to local cellular networks.

“Given the range and cost limitations of fiber-optic spools, as well as the uncertainty surrounding external partners’ provision of Starlink access, LTE now appears to be one of the only reliable solutions for military multicopters and unmanned ground vehicles,” said Vasyl Polishchuk, CCO of Militech Group.

Stable Communications for Drones

In difficult terrain, where cellular coverage is weak or uneven, operators risk losing contact with their drones and being unable to complete their missions.

“That is why, back in 2024, our R&D team anticipated these challenges and developed technology to increase LTE transmission power to 1.5 watts. It enables seamless switching between base stations and provides an operating range of up to 45 km,” Polishchuk added.

The solution is now available on the Brave1 platform in the form of the Grim LTE modem manufactured by Militech Group.

Controlling UAVs and UGVs via LTE requires a stable cellular signal with sufficient power, as signal degradation can result in the loss of control over an unmanned system. The transmitter output power of a standard LTE modem is typically around 0.25 watts.

The Grim modem increases LTE transmission power, including in areas with weak cellular coverage.

The product has undergone testing and is ready for use in combat conditions.

It is based on a standard MikroTik LTE modem fitted with a signal amplifier.

The device also has two SIM card slots.

The basic configuration does not include antennas. These are selected individually depending on the type of unmanned system.

“Throughout 2026, batches of 500 or more Grim modems are being prepared for Ukrainian unmanned systems manufacturers. From January 2027, the product is expected to become available to foreign customers as well,” the company said.