Ukraine’s Buntar-3 Drone Uses AI and GPS-Free Tech to Outsmart Jammers on the Battlefield
In Ukraine’s high-stakes battlefield where electronic warfare is now the norm, a new AI-powered drone is changing the rules of engagement. Meet the Buntar-3, the latest generation of Ukrainian reconnaissance drones that’s designed to fly smart, fly silent—and most importantly, fly without GPS.
Developed by Buntar Aerospace, the Buntar-3 is an electric vertical take-off and landing (e-VTOL) drone that can carry out critical surveillance missions in heavily jammed environments where traditional drones might falter. Its standout feature? It doesn’t rely on GPS to navigate. Instead, it uses optical navigation, signal triangulation, and other high-tech alternatives to keep itself on course.
The drone has a flight endurance of 3.5 hours and an operational range of up to 80 kilometers. It’s capable of detecting targets from 15 kilometers away—making it an ideal tool for gathering intelligence and spotting enemy positions from a safe distance.
What makes Buntar-3 especially cutting-edge is its built-in artificial intelligence, which acts like a virtual “copilot.” This AI system automatically plans flight routes by factoring in variables such as wind conditions, battery health, and the strength of communications links. It even helps decide when and where to deploy additional drones to maintain uninterrupted surveillance, which means one operator can control several units at once with ease.
This software-driven approach reduces operator workload and improves the chances of mission success in chaotic combat zones. It’s a significant upgrade over traditional drones that demand constant manual control and GPS reliability.
According to Buntar Aerospace, the Buntar-3 was built specifically to counter the growing problem of electronic interference on the battlefield. Russian forces have been using powerful jamming tools to disrupt GPS signals, putting older drone systems at serious risk. To beat that threat, the Buntar-3 uses custom antennas, high-performance modems, optimized frequency bands, and advanced software that allow it to keep flying even when the skies are electronically hostile.
This is the third drone in the Buntar series and has been refined through combat feedback and field testing. With the Ministry of Defense in Kyiv giving it the green light for wider deployment, the Buntar-3 is set to become an important asset in Ukraine’s drone fleet—collecting intelligence, identifying enemy targets, and doing so while dodging the electronic eyes and ears of its adversaries.
In a war where information is power, the Buntar-3 doesn’t just gather it—it outsmarts those trying to keep it hidden.
