The engineering behind Ukraine's most tactical drone tech startup

The article highlights the innovative work of Sine.Engineering, a Ukrainian startup that has developed GPS-independent navigation and communication systems for drones operating in warzones where satellite signals are frequently jammed or spoofed. Founded shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Lviv-based company employs 150 people and collaborates with over 70 drone manufacturers and defense contractors domestically and internationally. Their technology, including digital video transmitters and data links, enables drones to maintain connectivity and navigate without relying on vulnerable GPS signals, a critical advantage demonstrated in operations like the June 2025 “Spider’s Web” mission that significantly damaged Russian military assets. Sine.Engineering’s breakthrough approach revisits traditional aviation principles by creating a time-of-flight navigation system that is low-cost, scalable, and resistant to electronic interference. This system is actively used on the battlefield, benefiting from rapid iteration due to the company’s proximity to front-line operations and direct feedback from drone operators. The startup has grown organically without external funding but