In a battle-changing development, Ukraine is using artificial intelligence technology to allow groups of drones to communicate and make decisions independently, heralding a new era of automated warfare once only possible in science fiction.
Article contents:
- Introduction: A new dawn in drone warfare
- How do smart swarms work?
- “Swarmer” technology: “You set the target, the drones do the rest”
- Battlefield use: More than 100 times
- Advantages: Reducing personnel and bypassing jamming
- Not a “full swarm” yet, but a massive step
- Ethical concerns: Who makes the kill decision?
- Conclusion: From prophecy to reality
Introduction: A new dawn in drone warfare
On a recent night, three Ukrainian drones launched under the cover of darkness toward a Russian position and decided among themselves exactly when and how to strike. This was not a remotely coordinated attack by human operators, but an example of how Ukraine is using artificial intelligence to allow groups of drones to coordinate their attacks independently, in the world’s first known routine combat use of this technology.
How do smart swarms work?
Swarming technology combines two rising forces in modern warfare: artificial intelligence and drones. AI software is used to link and manage groups of unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing them to communicate and coordinate their actions with each other after launch, without constant human intervention. Military experts see this technology as the next frontier of drone warfare, where it could theoretically deploy dozens or even thousands of drones simultaneously to overwhelm any target’s defenses.
“Swarmer” technology: “You set the target, the drones do the rest”
The Ukrainian drones use technology developed by a local company called Swarmer. The company’s CEO, Serhii Kupriienko, says: “You set the target and the drones do the rest.” Their software allows groups of drones to determine which one strikes first, and adapt if one’s battery runs low, for example. He adds: “They work together, and they adapt.”
Battlefield use: More than 100 times
Swarmer technology was first deployed by Ukrainian forces for mine-laying about a year ago. Since then, it has been used to target Russian soldiers, equipment, and infrastructure. A senior Ukrainian officer confirmed that his drone unit has used the technology more than a hundred times, and that other units are using it as well. He typically uses it with three drones, but others have deployed it with up to eight drones.
Advantages: Reducing personnel and bypassing jamming
This technology offers significant advantages for Ukraine. In a typical operation targeting a Russian trench, only three people are required: a planner, a drone operator, and a navigator. The officer says that without the swarm software, it would take nine people. This saves time and frees up personnel for other tasks. Furthermore, having drones communicate closely with each other reduces the risk of the enemy jamming the signals.
Not a “full swarm” yet, but a massive step
Although Ukrainian operations do not reach the level of what many consider a full swarm (hundreds of drones moving intelligently and autonomously), researchers say that “even a small level of autonomous cooperation would be impressive.” Swarmer is preparing to test a swarm of more than 100 drones.
Ethical concerns: Who makes the kill decision?
The use of artificial intelligence on the battlefield raises ethical concerns regarding the potential of leaving machines to decide the fate of combatants and civilians. The United States and its allies require a human in the so-called “kill chain” under current rules of engagement. Swarmer says a human ultimately makes the decision to fire. However, the line between independent coordination and autonomous decision-making is becoming increasingly blurred.
Conclusion: From prophecy to reality
Zachary Kallenborn, a drone warfare expert, says: “People have talked about the potential of drone swarms to change warfare for decades. But until now, it was more like prophecy than reality.” Through its use in Ukraine, drone swarms are no longer just a theoretical concept, but a tactical reality on the battlefield, accelerating the pace of the global race to develop this revolutionary technology.
