The U.S. Army is currently conducting field tests of a fully autonomous tactical vehicle, known as ULTRA, in Georgia (Sakartvelo), a country located just miles from Russian-occupied territory. This testing is taking place during Exercise Agile Spirit 25, a NATO-led initiative aimed at enhancing interoperability and deterrence among allied forces in the region.
Developed by Overland AI, a Seattle-based technology firm, ULTRA is being put through its paces to assess its capability to carry out combat resupply missions across challenging and contested landscapes without any direct human intervention. The trials are occurring at Vaziani Training Area, one of Georgia’s key military sites, where Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, are actively involved in the process. ULTRA is designed to tackle real-world operational demands, and during the exercise, it is supporting live missions by performing autonomous point-to-point cargo deliveries.
Over the next two weeks, the vehicle will continue to assist U.S. Army personnel by navigating rough, forested terrain to execute fully autonomous resupply tasks, such as delivering cargo to designated drop-off points. This hands-on evaluation is critical for determining how well ULTRA can function independently in unpredictable environments, a feature that could prove vital in future military operations where human presence might be limited or risky. At the core of ULTRA’s functionality is Overland AI’s OverDrive autonomy stack, a sophisticated software system tailored for environments where GPS signals might be unavailable or disrupted by electronic interference. Unlike many traditional autonomous platforms that falter under such conditions, OverDrive enables ULTRA to navigate complex terrain effectively.
Overland AI has emphasised that the vehicle was engineered from scratch to meet the demands of actual combat scenarios, distinguishing it from systems that rely on following convoys or require remote human control. The company describes ULTRA as fast, reliable, and ready for combat, capable of operating with minimal oversight, which sets it apart in the field of military robotics. Overland AI has been steadily building its partnership with the U.S. Army, having demonstrated its ground autonomy technology in six exercises over the past four months. These efforts have included international engagements, such as an earlier iteration of Agile Spirit in Germany, followed by the current trials in Georgia.
Each exercise has provided a platform to refine and showcase ULTRA’s abilities across varied operational contexts, with the Georgia tests marking a continuation of this collaborative work. The experience gained from these deployments is helping to shape the vehicle’s development as a practical tool for military use. The location of these tests adds a layer of geopolitical context that cannot be overlooked. Georgia has been locked in territorial disputes with Russia since the 2008 war, with Russian military forces still stationed in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The proximity of the U.S. Army’s activities—and the deployment of an advanced autonomous system like ULTRA—to these Russian-controlled areas is likely to catch Moscow’s attention.
While Exercise Agile Spirit 25 is primarily focused on strengthening NATO cohesion, the presence of cutting-edge technology in such a sensitive region carries broader implications, reflecting the U.S. military’s intent to maintain a technological advantage in areas of strategic interest. The choice of Georgia as a testing ground is particularly noteworthy given its rugged terrain and the potential for electronic interference, both of which align with ULTRA’s design strengths. The vehicle’s ability to operate without GPS and withstand contested conditions makes it well-suited to the challenges of this environment.
Overland AI has pointed out that ULTRA outperforms other autonomous systems in navigating difficult landscapes, a capability that could enhance military logistics by ensuring supplies reach their destinations even under adverse circumstances. This adaptability is a key focus of the ongoing trials, as the U.S. Army seeks to understand how such technology can be integrated into its operations. The testing of ULTRA represents a step forward in the evolution of autonomous systems within modern warfare. By reducing the need for human involvement in resupply missions, vehicles like ULTRA could lessen the risks faced by soldiers while maintaining the flow of essential resources.
The outcomes of these field tests in Georgia will likely influence the U.S. Army’s future plans for incorporating autonomous vehicles into its strategies, especially in regions where conventional navigation and logistics face obstacles. As the exercise continues, the performance of ULTRA will be closely observed, offering insights into how such systems might shape military tactics moving forward. In essence, the U.S. Army’s trials of ULTRA near Russian-occupied territory in Georgia blend technological innovation with strategic messaging.
Through its collaboration with Overland AI, the military is exploring the potential of autonomous vehicles to meet the demands of contemporary conflicts, all while operating in a region marked by geopolitical tension. The results of these efforts could pave the way for a new era of military logistics, where machines take on tasks once reserved for humans, enhancing efficiency and safety in the process. As Exercise Agile Spirit 25 progresses, the capabilities of ULTRA will remain a focal point, both for those planning its future use and for those watching from across the border.
