US Army Tests ‘ULTRA’ Robotic Vehicle for GPS-Jammed Resupply Missions

The US Army is testing a new autonomous robot vehicle called ULTRA (Uncrewed Long-range Transport Autonomy), designed to carry out resupply missions without needing a driver, remote control, or even GPS.

ULTRA is being developed by a tech company called Overland AI. What makes it special is its ability to move through rough and unpredictable terrain completely on its own—even in areas where GPS is jammed, communication lines are weak, or visibility is poor.

At the heart of this robot is Overland AI’s OverDrive software, which is paired with military-grade hardware. It uses a high-tech mix of stereo cameras, thermal imagers, lidar sensors, and GPS-denied navigation systems. These sensors help ULTRA “see” its environment, detect obstacles, and recalculate its path in real-time, no matter the conditions.

The vehicle can carry a modular payload of up to 1,000 pounds (about 454 kg). Depending on the mission, it can deliver supplies, deploy sensors, evacuate wounded troops, or even transport explosives. With the choice between all-electric and hybrid drive systems, ULTRA offers flexibility and can operate for over eight hours depending on the terrain and cargo weight.

For added safety and coordination in the field, ULTRA is built with cybersecurity features, tactical mesh networking, and secure processors, allowing it to connect smoothly with military command systems.

Recently, ULTRA was tested by soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment during Exercise Agile Spirit 25 in Krtsanisi, Georgia. The trials were held in the rugged, forested Vaziani Training Area, where ULTRA carried out multiple autonomous resupply tasks—including cargo delivery, off-road driving, and joining convoys—without using GPS.

During the test, troops observed how ULTRA navigated muddy roads, avoided obstacles, and adjusted its path without any help. Soldiers said the robot could significantly reduce exposure to threats such as ambushes or roadside bombs, making it a safer option for future logistics missions.

Encouraged by the results, the US Army plans to conduct more trials in late 2025 and early 2026, pushing ULTRA closer to becoming a regular part of battlefield support in GPS-denied environments.