SilkmodUK Defence Technology
Moving critical data when communications fail
We're building a small device that attaches to a drone and turns it into an automatic courier. When radio signals are jammed or blocked, the drone flies your files to a location where they can be sent, delivers them, and brings back a receipt proving it worked.
The Problem
When signals go down, data stops moving
In conflict zones, enemy jamming and difficult terrain regularly knock out radio and satellite links. Teams on the ground can often still talk to each other by voice, but they can't send the digital files they need: maps, targeting data, images, orders, and operational updates.
When those files can't get through, decisions slow down, commanders lose the picture, and people resort to risky workarounds.
Today's options all have problems
Keep the radio on
The enemy can detect, jam, or locate you
Set up a mast
Takes 20+ minutes, can't move, exposes your position
Use satellite
Often jammed or unavailable for troops on foot
Send a runner
Slow, dangerous, and doesn't scale
What We're Building
A modern carrier pigeon
The Silkmod pod is a small, sealed device (~750g) that clips onto a standard military drone. It takes over the drone's navigation and turns it into an autonomous data courier that can operate without any human piloting.
Load
A team loads their files onto the pod - maps, images, orders, anything digital
Fly
The drone flies itself to a location where it can get a usable signal
Check
The pod tests the connection to make sure it's good enough before sending
Exchange
Files are sent and received in a quick, controlled burst - in and out fast
Return
The drone comes back with new files and a full log proving what was delivered
Load
A team loads their files onto the pod - maps, images, orders, anything digital
Fly
The drone flies itself to a location where it can get a usable signal
Check
The pod tests the connection to make sure it's good enough before sending
Exchange
Files are sent and received in a quick, controlled burst - in and out fast
Return
The drone comes back with new files and a full log proving what was delivered
Why It Matters
Built for the hardest conditions
Works when signals are denied
Instead of trying to push through jammed airwaves, the drone physically carries your data to a spot where it can get through, then comes back.
Hard to detect
The radio is only on for a short, controlled burst. No long transmissions that the enemy can find or jam.
Fits existing tools
Designed to work with TAK, the mapping and messaging software military teams already use every day.
Navigates without GPS
Onboard cameras and sensors let the drone navigate even when GPS is jammed or unreliable.
Works on any drone
Standardised connections (power + data) mean the pod can be fitted to different drones without redesigning anything.
Proof of delivery
Every mission produces a complete log: what was sent, what was received, what went wrong, and why. Fully auditable.
Partnerships
Partner with Silkmod
We're looking for partners to test and validate the system in real-world conditions.