Faced with increasing Russian signal jamming and the need to effectively manage large drone fleets, Ukraine is rapidly developing AI-powered drone control systems. This innovative approach promises significant advantages on the battlefield.
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Several Ukrainian startups are spearheading this effort. Companies like Swarmer are creating software that allows drones to operate in interconnected swarms, a strategy far beyond the capabilities of human pilots.
“For a swarm of drones, humans just can’t manage them,” says Swarmer CEO Serhiy Kupriienko. AI, on the other hand, can handle hundreds of drones simultaneously, planning their movements and predicting the actions of others in the swarm.
AI offers more than just increased scale. Automating drone control protects human pilots who face constant danger near the frontlines. Additionally, AI systems can potentially improve drone effectiveness.
The use of AI in weapons raises ethical concerns. Experts like Samuel Bendett from the Centre for a New American Security advocate for keeping humans “in the loop” to prevent targeting errors. The potential violation of international law is another concern surrounding autonomous weapons.
The growing use of electronic warfare (EW) systems that disrupt drone signals is a significant driver of AI development. FPV drones, a mainstay for both sides, are becoming increasingly ineffective due to jamming.
“We’re already planning for a future with no connection” between pilots and drones, says Max Makarchuk, AI lead for Brave1, a Ukrainian defense tech accelerator.
AI-powered drones can overcome jamming by locking onto targets via camera. This allows the drone to complete its mission even if the pilot loses control.
Early adopters like Russia have already seen some success with AI-powered drones. However, affordability is crucial for Ukraine to deploy AI across its vast frontline.
Ukrainian developers are exploring cost-effective solutions by using small computers like the Raspberry Pi to run AI programs. This could drastically reduce the cost per drone (around $150 per Makarchuk’s estimate) and enable widespread deployment.
The Ukraine conflict is accelerating the development and use of AI in drone warfare. While ethical concerns remain, the potential benefits for both scaling operations and overcoming jamming are undeniable. The outcome of this technological race will undoubtedly influence the future of battlefield tactics.
