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Ukraine Unveils AI-Driven "Mother Drone" to Transform Military Operations

ukraine_unveils_aidriven_mother_drone_to_transform_military_operations_

In a significant advancement in military technology, Ukraine has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence-driven drone system referred to as the "mother drone." This announcement was made by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, on May 29. The newly developed drone system, known as SmartPilot and created by the defense technology initiative Brave1, has the capability to deploy two AI-automated first-person view (FPV) strike drones over a distance of up to 300 kilometers (approximately 186 miles) into enemy territory. These smaller drones can autonomously seek out and attack high-value military targets, including aircraft and air defense systems, without relying on GPS technology, as stated by Fedorov in a recent report here. According to Fedorov, "The system uses visual-inertial navigation with cameras and LiDAR to guide the drones, while AI independently identifies and selects targets." This advancement not only enhances operational efficiency but also promises to reduce costs significantly. The adaptability of the carrier drone allows it to return for reuse within a mission range of 100 kilometers, and each deployment is reported to cost around $10,000, which is substantially more economical than conventional missile strikes. Fedorov emphasized that this cost-efficiency plays a critical role in modern military operations. Ukraine's commitment to increasing its drone technology production capabilities further emphasizes its strategic approach to military engagement. Following an earlier announcement on April 7 by President Volodymyr Zelensky to ramp up domestic drone manufacturing, the focus will include various types of unmanned systems, such as long-range and fiber-optic drones that are resistant to electronic disruption, as noted here. Since the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022, Ukraine has increasingly utilized technological innovations to compensate for challenges in manpower and firepower. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have incorporated a range of aerial, naval, and ground-based drones into their strategic operations throughout the conflict, demonstrating the evolving nature of warfare. Looking ahead, Fedorov expressed Ukraine's intention to further invest in home-grown technology, which he believes "changes the rules of the game in technological warfare." The commitment to advancing drone capabilities underscores a significant shift in Ukraine's military strategy. We’ve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.

 
 
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