Ukraine says using AI robot guns to shoot down new Russian drones

Kyiv: Ukraine has started employing AI-powered robot guns to neutralize Russia's latest, swift-moving jet drones, the Ukrainian air force declared on Monday. For weeks, Kyiv has been striving to counter the incoming Russian drones that are raining down on the Ukrainian capital, despite the shortage of appropriate ammunition to neutralize them.

Russia has been dispatching advanced jet drones that can travel at higher speeds and are more challenging to intercept compared to conventional models, which are modeled after the Iranian Shahed drones.

To address this issue, robotic turrets have now been installed on bridges across Ukraine, as reported by Colonel Yuri Ignat, the air force spokesman, during a broadcast on national television. Ignat informed that these turrets have already successfully shot down several drones, including the larger and more potent Geran-5 variant.

Speaking to AFP, Ignat explained that the new turrets utilize optical vision and artificial intelligence to eliminate the human element and carry out attacks. Sergiy Beskrestnov, a technology adviser to the Ukrainian defense ministry, elaborated on Telegram over the weekend that these automated turrets represented an innovative Ukrainian solution, utilizing machine guns controlled by artificial intelligence. He stated that 12 of these turrets had been installed in Kyiv, with more planned for installation in the future.

Ignat acknowledged that the new system had a limited operational range, stating that it could function up to approximately one kilometer under optimal conditions and when the approach angle of the drone attack was suitable. He emphasized that this was not a miracle solution and emphasized that the turrets were part of an integrated air defense system, which encompasses engagement of targets at various levels.

Of course, we rely on all available assets, Ignat affirmed, underscoring that Ukraine is intensifying the integration of artificial intelligence into its defense capabilities and is already employing the technology on the frontlines to guide drones, detect targets for strikes, and coordinate large-scale operations.