Small and cheap FPV drones are the real stars of the Russian-Ukrainian war. These devices are often invisible to air defense, are extremely cheap, and can cause shocking amounts of damage even to heavily armored vehicles. The best way to knock them out of the sky is to force them to the ground with electronic jamming devices, but now it seems this trick does not always work either.
Ukrainian FPV drones are now being equipped with artificial intelligence programs that enable them to continue to their target even if the operator loses control of the device. In a new video published on X, Ukrainian suicide drone operators showcase this technology against a Russian BTR armored vehicle, reportedly somewhere on the Kursk front. The device was equipped with electronic jamming equipment.
These devices break the connection between the drone operator and the drone, rendering the drone useless. However, Kyiv has equipped more and more drones with automatic targeting systems, which allow the drones to continue on to their target even if they lose their connection.
In the video, although the drone loses connection with the operator, it still manages to hit the Russian vehicle due to auto-targeting.
If Ukraine can effectively overcome electronic jamming systems, it could represent a major leg up in the country’s war effort. However, Russia has often been able to adapt to each new advance in technology and offer an effective counter during the war. Notably, Russia has often lagged behind or responded to technological advances without offering any real new advances of its own on the battlefield.
Both sides have sought ways to overcome electronic defenses, including shifting the frequencies beyond the range targeted by the electronic jamming systems. However, incorporating AI into targeting systems is expected to only grow. This technology is already being explored by a number of nations, with more and more autonomy expected to be given to drones to find and destroy targets, often with no human intervention or oversight.
