-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
Artificial intelligence has become a driving force in modern technology, and the military sector is no exception. In Ukraine, AI-powered drones are revolutionizing the way aerial operations are conducted on the frontlines, strengthening the country’s defense against Russian aggression.
AI-drones, including both Ukrainian-made UAVs and those supplied by international partners, are equipped with AI to enhance their capabilities, making them more autonomous and effective.
What are AI drones?
AI-driven drones offer numerous advantages, from surveillance and reconnaissance to precision strikes. These drones can autonomously scan large areas, detect suspicious activity, and track vehicles or individuals in real time. Key features of AI-powered drones include:
Autonomy
AI allows drones to operate without constant human input, reducing the need for manual control and enabling them to perform tasks independently.
Real-time data processing
Drones equipped with AI can process and analyze data immediately, enabling faster decision-making.
Adaptability
AI allows drones to adjust to changing conditions, including overcoming obstacles and avoiding collisions, even in environments with disrupted communication.
Mission efficiency
Drones can autonomously perform complex tasks, such as targeting and navigation, ensuring greater precision and effectiveness.
Ukraine is embracing AI technologies in its defense strategy, using them to enhance operational capabilities and transform military tactics.
Resilience to electronic warfare
AI-powered drones are designed to withstand and operate in environments with disrupted communication, such as those caused by electronic warfare (REB).
This resilience ensures that the drones can continue their missions even when GPS or other signals are jammed, maintaining operational effectiveness in challenging conditions.
Ukrainian AI drones
Several AI-powered drones, developed by Ukraine both locally and internationally, are currently deployed by Ukrainian forces.
Twist Robotics FPV drones
These drones, developed by Twist Robotics, feature AI navigation systems that enable them to stay on target even when communication is lost due to interference. This makes them particularly useful in challenging terrain, such as areas with hills that disrupt drone signals. These drones are also cost-effective alternatives to traditional missile systems, earning them the nickname “Javelin for the poor.”
SkyKnight 2
The SkyKnight 2 is an AI-powered UAV designed for both suicide missions and precise payload delivery. It features an autopilot system that ensures the drone continues its mission even if it loses communication or encounters electronic warfare disruptions. This autonomy guarantees that the drone reaches its target, even if it’s moving.
SAKER SCOUT
Developed by SAKER, the SCOUT is a reconnaissance drone that uses AI to detect and identify military targets, even those hidden by camouflage or natural cover. It can autonomously track and strike targets, significantly reducing the risk of human error and providing real-time intelligence to command centers.
Warbirds GALKA
The GALKA drone, part of the Warbirds line, enhances reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. It can operate without GPS, performing precision strikes even in environments where GPS signals are jammed. The GALKA has undergone extensive upgrades, including enhanced cameras, batteries, and software, to improve its efficiency in combat.
Buntar Aerospace
Buntar Aerospace company, has been developing the AI-powered reconnaissance drone Buntar1 since last summer.
The drone is designed to provide real-time video feed even under electronic warfare conditions behind enemy lines. The Buntar1 system includes the drone itself, software for mission planning and control compatible with other UAVs, and an AI-based navigation module tailored for Buntar1.
Planned for mass production in the summer of 2025, the Buntar1 will have a range of up to 80 km and full mission automation.
Foreign AI drones in Ukraine
Ukraine has received advanced AI-powered drones and precision-guided missiles from international partners.
Switchblade 600
The Switchblade 600, developed by AeroVironment, is a loitering munition designed for precision strikes on high-value targets like armored vehicles and air defense systems. It has a flight time of 40 minutes, advanced artificial intelligence, range of up to 40 kilometers, and can reach speeds of 185 km/h.
The drone is equipped with a powerful warhead capable of destroying tanks and other heavy equipment. It is launched from a portable tube-based system, allowing for rapid deployment.
The US has supplied Ukraine with the Switchblade 600, with the first delivery occurring in 2022. Ukrainian forces have used the drone to target Russian personnel and equipment, including a successful strike against a Russian UAV crew in November 2024 and a Tor missile system in Donetsk.
In October 2024, AeroVironment signed an agreement with a Ukrainian company to locally produce the Switchblade 600, with plans to manufacture thousands annually. Initially designed for US Special Operations, it has proven effective in Ukraine, particularly for neutralizing Russian air defense systems.
German “Mini-Taurus”
Germany is set to begin the delivery of 4,000 “Mini-Taurus” suicide drones to Ukraine, starting in December 2024. Developed by the German defense technology company Helsing, these drones are designed for precision strikes in high-risk environments.
They are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence for autonomous targeting and are highly effective against Russian military positions, even in areas with electronic warfare. The drones have a range of 40 to 60 kilometers.
Helsing’s collaboration with Ukrainian manufacturers will enable the production of these drones within Ukraine, increasing the rate of delivery to several hundred units per month.
Skynode
Skynode is a compact computer and flight controller developed by the American company Auterion, providing drones with computer vision to counter GPS loss in electronic warfare. It enables autonomous flight, swarm control, and automatic target acquisition, improving strike accuracy from 20% to 90%.
By using an open architecture format, Auterion is able to bring customize the end users' ecosystem. We bring manufacturers of the best capabilities together on one network, allowing full customization of your fleet. pic.twitter.com/F1uWBkmC4U
— Auterion (@auterion) March 14, 2024
Ukraine has ordered thousands of Skynode modules from Auterion to enhance its drone capabilities. These modules are expected to be delivered in early 2024, enabling the mass production of efficient strike drones.
Skynode has already proven its effectiveness in combat, allowing drones to operate without satellite navigation by using image comparison algorithms. Auterion is also working on expanding Skynode’s capabilities to target electronic warfare systems and radars.
-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Maryna Kulakova")
