Russia tests AI systems that let drones select targets independently

Russia and Ukraine are testing AI that enables drones to recognize targets and decide to attack without human input, according to an advisor to Ukraine's defense ministry. Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov wrote on Wednesday that analyzing targets by priority, selecting one, and autonomously deciding to attack represent the near future for strike UAVs.

He noted that Russia already equips some Shahed drones with Chinese-made cameras that can locate and track targets.

Current capabilities Beskrestnov said the Kremlin produces thousands of its own Shahed versions, called Gerans, each month and launches them in waves of hundreds. Russia has added anti-jamming tools, rear-facing cameras, and remote-pilot components to the drones, but still lacks full decision-making AI.

The advisor stated that AI target recognition and terminal guidance have already been implemented on some Ukrainian and Russian UAVs. He added that terminal guidance remains more difficult on fixed-wing platforms such as the Shahed.

Next development stage Beskrestnov described the step of having AI automatically select a target and initiate an attack as being in the first stages of combat testing by both sides. He also posted footage showing buildings and vehicles highlighted in colored boxes, which he said indicated AI-assisted target recognition.

Business Insider could not independently verify the footage. The advisor said combining target recognition, selection, and terminal guidance would allow drones to operate more independently and reduce vulnerability to electronic warfare.