Tethered Drone & UGV Integration Supports Persistent Surveillance

Elistair highlights how combining tethered drones with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) can support persistent surveillance, coordinated reconnaissance, and increasingly autonomous battlefield operations.

The company’s Khronos tethered dronebox has been integrated with a Milrem Robotics ground vehicle, while Elistair has also demonstrated coordinated operations with ARX Robotics’ GEREON RCS UGV. These applications combine aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) with ground mobility.

Mounted directly on a UGV and connected to a power source through its tether, a tethered drone can maintain continuous flight and uninterrupted data transmission. This provides aerial and ground-level perspectives during unmanned missions.

Coordinated Reconnaissance

A UGV can travel across difficult terrain while a tethered drone operates overhead and provides real-time aerial intelligence. Together, the systems can identify enemy movements, assess terrain, and relay actionable data.

ISR missions during the conflict in Ukraine have demonstrated the value of layered situational awareness. Combining ground and aerial platforms can support faster decisions, improved resource allocation, and enhanced military security.

Extending Operational Reach

Pairing a UGV with a tethered drone can reduce the requirement to deploy personnel in high-risk areas.

For example, a tethered drone can provide continuous surveillance while an autonomous ground vehicle delivers critical supplies or monitors potential threats. This allows personnel to focus on strategic maneuvers while the unmanned systems maintain persistent intelligence coverage.

Expanded Missions and Autonomy

UGVs provide mobility across rugged terrain, while tethered drones contribute an aerial perspective. Together, they can support surveillance operations where direct human involvement is challenging or impractical.

AI and machine learning can further improve coordination through predictive analytics, obstacle avoidance, and optimized task allocation. Future systems could operate with greater autonomy on missions ranging from ISR to precision strikes.

Khronos and Milrem Robotics

Elistair has worked with Milrem Robotics to integrate the Khronos tethered dronebox onto its ground vehicle.

The combined system supports continuous surveillance in challenging environments, including GNSS-denied areas, while combining Milrem’s ground mobility and resilience with real-time aerial intelligence.

Elistair and ARX Robotics

Elistair has also worked with ARX Robotics, with the GEREON RCS UGV operating in tandem with Elistair’s tethered drone technology.

The systems demonstrated operation across complex terrain and ISR missions requiring minimal human intervention. The collaboration highlights developments in autonomy, task coordination, and extended mission capabilities.

Combining persistent aerial observation with ground mobility can provide complementary capabilities for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other demanding defense operations.

For more information, please visit the Elistair website.