In a field on the outskirts of Kyiv, the creators of Vyriy, a Ukrainian drone company, were hard at work on a cutting-edge weapon. Demonstrating the technology, Oleksii Babenko, the 25-year-old CEO of Vyriy, hopped on his motorcycle and drove down a dirt path. A drone followed closely behind, guided by a colleague using a compact computer.
Traditionally, a human operator would have controlled the drone. However, with new software that allowed the drone to track its target — in this case, Mr. Babenko — it autonomously followed him. As the drone silently pursued him, his colleagues encouraged him over a walkie-talkie, cheering on the chase.
If the drone had been armed and the autonomous tracking had not been disengaged by his colleagues, Mr. Babenko would have been in serious danger. Vyriy is just one of many Ukrainian companies spearheading advancements in the weaponization of consumer technology, spurred on by the conflict with Russia.
The competition to outdo the enemy, combined with significant investments and government support, has transformed Ukraine into a hub for autonomous drones and weaponry. This technology reduces the need for human intervention in targeting and firing decisions, paving the way for a new era of lethal robots.
These developments have been made possible by deep learning, a form of artificial intelligence that can analyze data and make decisions. While these weapons are not as sophisticated as those produced by major military powers, their low cost and accessibility make them a significant development.
The rise of autonomous weaponry raises ethical and legal concerns about the use of A.I. on the battlefield. However, in Ukraine, the priority is to defend against the aggressor. The use of autonomous drones in combat has already proven effective in striking Russian targets, according to reports.
Efforts to further automate drone technology are underway, with several companies producing autonomous drones for use on the front lines. These machines have already demonstrated their effectiveness, with some being actively deployed in combat situations.
As Ukraine continues to innovate in the field of autonomous weaponry, the potential for these technologies to reshape modern warfare is becoming increasingly apparent. The use of drones that can act independently and target enemies with precision is changing the dynamics of conflicts, presenting new challenges and opportunities for military strategy.