{
  "id": 8453040,
  "title": "Ukraine's defense companies say soldiers want drones that do more on their own so one operator can control more at once",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ukraines-defense-companies-say-soldiers-want-drones-that-do-more-on",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-19T11:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraines-pilots-want-less-need-control-drones-industry-autonomy-ai-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian soldiers are requesting drones with greater autonomy, enabling one operator to oversee multiple drones instead of manually controlling each one. This shift allows pilots to focus on other critical tasks while AI handles more of the flying, navigation, and identification of targets. The demand for such technology stems from the rapidly expanding arsenal of drones and ground robots used by Ukraine against Russia's larger military. Ukrainian defense technology companies are increasingly automating tasks while still maintaining human responsibility for force usage decisions. Frontline Robotics, a Ukrainian defense firm, developed software that allows drones to navigate, return to base, and identify targets independently, reducing the mental strain on soldiers and allowing them to accomplish more. The newest version of their Linza drone offers enhanced autonomy, with GPS functionality even when disrupted by Russian electronic warfare. Ukraine's defense ministry aims for 100% of drones on the front line to have computer vision and AI capabilities. Many Ukrainian companies work directly with soldiers, gathering insights on the ground to inform their product development. The goal is to reach a stage where autonomous drones can independently fight each other, with a single pilot controlling multiple drones through advanced autonomous systems.",
  "summary": "Ukrainian drone makers are building more autonomy into their systems so one operator can manage multiple drones.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Kyiv Independent",
        "title": "Why drones can't replace Ukraine's reconnaissance soldiers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/why-drones-cant-replace-ukraines-reconnaissance-soldiers",
        "published": "2026-09-19T12:00:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}