Autonomous Drones in Ukraine: AI at the Center of Controversy

The Use of Drones and AI in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has revealed the crucial role of drones in modern conflicts. These devices, used by Ukrainian forces, provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional artillery and aviation. They also serve as platforms for strikes or interceptions assisted by artificial intelligence. Generally, the use of AI in this context requires human intervention, meaning that drones are not fully autonomous during attacks.

However, Alexander Kokhanovskyy revealed in an interview with New Scientist that a test was conducted where Russian soldiers were killed by a drone operated entirely autonomously. This test, which reportedly took place two years ago, has not been widely deployed. The drone, a quadcopter, is said to have traveled between 3 and 5 kilometers toward the front line before activating its "Terminator mode," where the AI takes over the search and interception of targets.

Kokhanovskyy described this mode by stating: “You launch it and you know that everything will be dead – everything in that area will be dead.” He specified that there was no communication link with the drone, no visible video, and that everything the drone detected would be eliminated. Another drone, piloted by a human, later confirmed the presence of soldiers and a truck among the casualties.

The Official Position of the Ukrainian Army

An official from the Ukrainian army stated that the armed forces do not use fully autonomous drones. Nevertheless, AI is integrated into their operations. Major Danylo Polozhukhno from the 21st Autonomous Regiment of Unmanned Systems of Ukraine claimed to be unaware of the test mentioned by Kokhanovskyy. He clarified that his troops only use semi-autonomous systems.

According to Polozhukhno, these systems and drone platforms can automatically acquire and track targets, and guide themselves autonomously during the final meters of approach, thereby simplifying the operators' work. However, he emphasized that Ukraine does not use fully autonomous drone systems that select and engage targets independently, without human intervention.

Polozhukhno also insisted that Ukraine respects international humanitarian law and takes its responsibility to protect the rights of all combatants very seriously, avoiding civilian casualties.