Ukraine Expands AI-Modified Drone Strikes on Russian Supply Lines up to 250 Kilometers Behind Front
Ukrainian forces have extended fixed-wing kamikaze drone operations to hit Russian trucks, fuel tankers, trains and vessels as far as 250 kilometers from the front line. The campaign, developed by the First Corps Azov, uses Starlink and AI terminal guidance to target logistics routes feeding occupied Crimea and Donbas.
upi.comUkrainian drone units have struck Russian cargo vehicles, fuel tankers, railroad cars and ships at distances reaching 250 kilometers behind the front lines in recent weeks. The operations focus on roads and rail lines supplying Russian forces near Dobropillia in Donetsk region and routes leading to Crimea.
An officer from the First Corps Azov of Ukraine’s National Guard described the effort as an all-Ukrainian program that began testing modifications in early winter and entered combat use in January or February. Units adapted U.S.-made Hornet drones and Darts drones by installing Starlink terminals and altering propulsion systems, allowing the same airframes previously limited to 50 kilometers to reach deeper targets without raising unit cost.
The officer said the modifications were developed internally and that other communication systems remain classified.
Drones patrol assigned road sections in autonomous mode, using onboard AI to identify vehicle types and engage selected targets without continuous operator input. Intelligence sets priorities such as fuel tankers, while operators retain final oversight.
“The AI is used for the so-called last-mile system. The officer noted that destroying a single fuel tanker removes several tons of supply compared with smaller forward deliveries. The campaign has also expanded to the Sea of Azov, with strikes reported on at least five vessels at the occupied ports of Berdyansk and Mariupol. The officer declined to assess whether the logistics pressure would enable a broader Ukrainian advance, stating that question lies with the general staff.”
