Ukraine detects first Russian AI-controlled Shahed drone
Ukraine recorded the first use of a Russian Shahed drone equipped with a built-in camera, an artificial intelligence module with machine vision, and a direct radio control system on June 18, according to Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a specialist in radio-electronic warfare and intelligence.
While information about the development of this advanced drone had circulated earlier, its confirmed use in Ukraine was only recently documented.
“The drone’s radio modem allows remote control from up to 150 kilometers beyond Russia’s borders or the front line,” Beskrestnov said. “With airborne signal repeaters in Ukrainian airspace, this range could extend further.”
Earlier, the expert warned that without developing interceptor drones, Ukraine risks becoming defenseless against Russia’s increasingly large-scale drone attacks as Russia has already scaled up serial production of strike drones and continues to ramp up output.
On May 25, The Economist reported that Russia had modified its Shahed drones for the sixth time.
Ukrainian engineers analyzing drone wreckage told the outlet that Russia’s latest drone control systems are their primary concern. These newer models are resistant to Ukrainian electronic warfare measures, as they no longer rely on GPS navigation but instead use artificial intelligence and leverage Ukraine’s mobile internet networks for guidance.
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