In a recent development, Ukraine has become the first country in the world to use AI-powered drone swarms to attack Russian targets. This new technology allows drones to independently coordinate with one another, making autonomous decisions on the battlefield, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Military experts believe this represents the next phase of modern warfare, with the potential for hundreds or thousands of drones to overwhelm enemy defenses.
The Technology Behind the Attacks
The AI software was developed by a local company called Swarmer. The company’s CEO, Serhii Kupriienko, explained that the technology allows a swarm of drones to work together and adapt to a situation, for example, by deciding which one will attack first or adjusting if one runs out of battery. According to a Ukrainian officer, the technology has been used in more than a hundred missions, typically with three to eight drones, though the software has been tested with up to 25. The drones have been used to attack Russian soldiers, equipment, and infrastructure.
Global Race and Ethical Questions
While other countries like the U.S., China, Russia, and France are also developing similar technologies, Ukraine’s routine combat application is unprecedented. However, the use of AI in warfare raises serious ethical concerns, particularly the fear that machines could autonomously decide the fate of soldiers and civilians. The article notes that the UN has called for the regulation of autonomous weapons, while the company Swarmer maintains that a human is always involved in the final decision to attack.
