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Ukrainian Forces Receive New Czech AI Drone That Can Identify Tanks, IFVs, and Trucks for Strikes

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
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Ukrainian Forces Receive New Czech AI Drone That Can Identify Tanks, IFVs, and Trucks for Strikes
ARCZ08X quadcopter with artificial intelligence from the Czech volunteer group Aerorozvědka. (Source: Aerorozvědka)

Ukrainian forces have received a new batch of advanced FPV drones equipped with artificial intelligence from the Czech volunteer group Aerorozvědka, according to Armadni Noviny and reported by Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi on June 25.

The donated drones—ARCZ08X quadcopters—are designed to function in complex electronic warfare environments where radio signals are often jammed.

Thanks to onboard AI, the drones can continue their mission even if communication with the operator is lost, autonomously flying toward and striking their target.

According to a comment that Czech defense journalist and Armadni Noviny editor-in-chief Jan Grohmann gave Militarny, the ARCZ08X is the first Aerorozvědka drone equipped with a “Last Mile Target” (LMT) system, which uses artificial intelligence to guide the drone in its final approach toward a target.

The drone’s onboard AI operates through one or two miniature computers that process visual data from its camera system. ARCZ08X currently supports three targeting modes:

  • LMT (Last Mile Target): The operator selects the target for the drone to lock onto.

  • Semi-automatic mode: The drone’s onboard computer identifies possible targets, and the operator chooses which one to strike.

  • Full AI mode: Still in development, this mode allows the drone to independently identify and engage targets based on preset parameters.

Aerorozvědka is also training the system to distinguish between different types of battlefield targets, including:

  • Tanks: Identifying armored vehicles equipped with cannons

  • IFVs: Spotting infantry fighting vehicles

  • Logistics: Targeting supply trucks and other logistical vehicles

Currently, the LMT mode is the only fully operational one and has already been used in real combat scenarios.

The ARCZ08X is based on the earlier ARCZ08 model, which has already seen action on the battlefield. Ukrainian troops, including drone pilots from the 92nd Assault Brigade, used one to strike a lightly armored vehicle near a gas station outside Belgorod, Russia, from a remarkable distance of 18 kilometers.

Beyond combat, the drones have proven useful for logistics. In one notable case, the ARCZ08 was used to deliver ammunition, water, and food to encircled Ukrainian soldiers who had been under siege for 70 days before they were finally rescued.

Despite its capabilities, Grohmann noted that the ARCZ08X remains largely experimental. “In practice, the LMT system is used only in a limited way due to the complexity of training AI in the chaotic and constantly shifting conditions of the battlefield, as well as the limited computing power onboard the drone,” he told Militarny.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia had begun fielding a newly upgraded version of its Geran-2 suicide drone—based on the Iranian Shahed-136 design—featuring artificial intelligence and a range of advanced electronic components.

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