Artificial intelligence improves drones’ anti-interference capabilities
On July 27, 2024, The Paper reported that at a test site near Lviv, Ukraine, an attack drone did not crash after encountering electronic interference. Instead, it accelerated towards the target and successfully destroyed it. This incident highlights the important role of artificial intelligence technology in modern drone warfare. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepens, drones rely on new artificial intelligence software to significantly improve their resistance to electronic interference.
Drone innovation in Ukraine
According to the Washington Post, Ukrainian drone companies are rapidly developing artificial intelligence technology to improve the combat capabilities of drones. In Lviv, Twist Robotics demonstrated its advanced artificial intelligence software that enables Ukraine's first-person view (FPV) drones to maintain a target lock when jammed. Co-founder Rostislav Olenchin said the software enables drones to accurately identify and lock onto targets even under the influence of electronic interference by drone signal jammer devices and physical obstacles.
Drone technology innovation spawned by war
Although Ukraine is not a traditional center for drone innovation, the war environment has become a testing ground for drone technology. Ukraine’s drone companies work closely with frontline military units to develop technology that improves drones’ firepower and reconnaissance capabilities. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov said that the drone field is becoming an all-weather technology competition and plans to train more drone operators in the next six months to counter Russia's air power and artillery superiority.
Russia's response
Russia has also responded to Ukraine's drone innovation, establishing its own volunteer drone force and introducing new electronic jamming equipment. The investment in Russian drones and electronic jamming systems has made Ukraine face greater challenges, especially in controlling drone firepower and reconnaissance capabilities.
Future challenges of artificial intelligence drones
Former Google CEO Schmidt foresees that drones will play a decisive role in the future and will form a "drone swarm" combat mode. As the development of drone technology accelerates, security experts are concerned that these technologies may be exploited by illegal organizations and individuals. Expert Paul Schaal points out that once artificial intelligence software is developed, the cost of its proliferation and reuse is almost zero, making it easier to lethally weaponize drones.