New technology set for deployment by Ukraine is causing alarm

Ukraine Introduces New Technological Advancement

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the use of AI-controlled drone swarms has emerged as a significant factor. These swarms, typically consisting of one reconnaissance drone and two bomb-equipped drones for a Ukrainian unit, have been employed for mine-laying and combat against Russian soldiers, equipment, and infrastructure.

The success of these attacks remains unclear, but military expert Thomas Wiegold explains that the Helsing drones can find their target more autonomously with AI compared to previous systems. This autonomy allows the drones to decide for themselves when to drop the bombs over the target.

The first routine swarm attacks were reportedly carried out by a high-ranking Ukrainian officer last year. Since then, his unit has reportedly conducted over 100 attacks. A recent case involved three such drones attacking a Russian position under the cover of darkness.

The necessary software for these drone swarms is produced by a company called Swarmer, which has secured funding from US investors, including Green Flag Ventures, which operates in Ukraine and the USA. Swarmer is also listed among European defense tech startups supported by various venture capitalists focused on defense and dual-use technologies.

Helsing, a German startup, provided Kyiv with 4,000 "Strike" drones. The reconnaissance drone in these swarms maps the route for the bombers to follow. A human operator provides the drones with a target zone and the command to attack when discovered. However, a human operator remains involved in critical decisions for the Helsing drones.

The potential for these drone swarms is vast. There is potential to deploy dozens or even thousands of drones simultaneously. Swarmer plans to soon test swarms of more than 100 drones. This represents the future of drone warfare, according to military experts.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the use of AI-controlled drone swarms is likely to become an increasingly significant part of the battlefield. The technology offers a new level of autonomy and efficiency, potentially changing the face of modern warfare.