Ukraine's new secret drone weapon could be this 25g antenna, capable of transmitting over an incredible range

Date:
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:05:00 +0000

Description:
Ukraine's BlueBird Tech unveils lightweight antenna for drones, monitoring equipment, measurement systems, and ground-based robotic platforms.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Ukraine's new antenna weighs little enough for compact unmanned platforms BlueBird Tech CLOVER can serve drones, monitoring equipment, and ground robots The antenna covers
frequencies widely used by modern FPV systems Ukrainian defense technology firm BlueBird Tech has introduced a compact antenna for boosted battlefield communications systems.

The CLOVER 5.8 GHz weighs only 25 grams, yet operates across a broad
frequency range spanning 4.9 to 6.1 GHz for reliable connectivity. Its clover-shaped design gives the antenna circular polarization and an omnidirectional radiation pattern suited to fast-changing combat environments across contested zones. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: A compact design with wide compatibility The antenna is fitted with an SMA male connector and an RG402 cable, features that simplify its integration into existing platforms currently in use.

BlueBird Tech representatives told RBC-Ukraine that the CLOVER 5.8 GHz can be installed on FPV drones, UAV detection equipment, and radio-monitoring systems. You may like Price of record-breaking Ukraine AI FPV drone slashed
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The company also noted that measurement devices and ground-based robotic systems can carry the antenna, not only aerial FPV platforms.

Its operating range overlaps closely with the 5.8 GHz band that most FPV
drone operators already rely on for video links. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Its lightweight construction minimizes the additional burden on FPV drones, helping preserve flight characteristics during normal operational use.

Compatibility with major systems already on the market means operators may avoid redesigning their equipment before adopting the new component.

Whether such compatibility claims hold up under sustained, real-world combat conditions is something only continued field use can eventually confirm. What to read next Ukraine unveils tiny 'aircraft carrier' but for FPV drone will submarine UAV launcher be next? Ukraine reveals secret strike squadron of civilian planes transformed into deadly reusable drone bombers Ukraine will mass-produce Stone Cloak EW tech after the UK allows Kyiv to build a tablet-sized device Ukraine expands its unmanned technology The antenna arrives alongside other Ukrainian developments involving unmanned systems designed for military applications.

Ukrainian defense technology company WINFLY has introduced the WINFLY Spider, a reusable interceptor drone designed to capture aerial targets with a net before returning toward its launch location.

The Spider is based on the WINFLY 10 Hunter platform and reportedly reaches speeds of up to 160 km/h during operation.

Its stated operating ceiling reaches 5,000 meters, giving the system capabilities that differ substantially from the communications role
associated with the CLOVER antenna.

The two systems therefore represent separate parts of Ukraine's growing unmanned technology sector, rather than components of one disclosed weapon system.

CLOVER is described as communications hardware, while Spider is designed specifically for intercepting aerial targets.

BlueBird Tech has not disclosed that the antenna itself contains electronic warfare, interception, encryption, or autonomous flight capabilities.

Its documented function remains transmitting and receiving radio signals across the specified frequency range, with integration depending on the host platform and communications equipment.

The antenna could therefore become useful within systems requiring
lightweight radio hardware, although its actual battlefield effectiveness would depend heavily on the equipment and conditions surrounding its deployment.

Via United24Defense Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/ukraines-new-secret-drone-weapon-could-be-this-2 5g-antenna-capable-of-transmitting-over-an-incredible-range


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