**Russian Drones Worry Ukraine as Battle Tactics Shift**
The Russia-Ukraine war has become increasingly dominated by drones, with both sides using them for surveillance, strikes, and sabotage. But a new type of Russian drone, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), is raising serious concerns due to its advanced technology.
According to Serhii Beskrestnov, a communication expert and head of the Radio Technology Center, these drones have been spotted in eastern Ukraine since February 2025. They are controlled via LTE mobile networks and feature both inertial and satellite navigation systems, making them highly maneuverable.
One of the main concerns about these drones is their ability to carry a significant payload over long distances. Each drone has a 34 amp-hour battery that allows it to travel up to 80 kilometers while carrying a 3 kg load. This makes them capable of delivering powerful strikes against enemy positions.
**A New Era in Drone Warfare**
The presence of AI-equipped drones on the battlefield is changing the way warfare is conducted. These drones can process vast amounts of data, making them highly effective at detecting and tracking targets. They also have advanced video recognition capabilities, which allows them to identify and classify different types of vehicles and aircraft.
But what’s most worrying about these drones is their ability to operate in swarms. According to Beskrestnov, groups of 2 to 6 such drones have already been detected several times, suggesting the presence of an integrated swarm solution onboard. This means that Ukraine may soon face a situation where multiple drones are targeting them simultaneously, making it difficult for their electronic warfare experts to keep up.
**A Threat to Ukrainian Forces**
The impact of these drones on battle tactics is significant. According to reports, drones have already accounted for more than two-thirds of casualties along the front, killing or injuring hundreds of thousands of troops and destroying thousands of vehicles. This is a stark reminder that the war in Ukraine has entered a new phase, one where advanced technology plays a crucial role.
As the conflict escalates, it’s clear that Ukraine will need to develop countermeasures to deal with these AI-equipped drones. The country’s electronic warfare experts are already under pressure to keep up with the evolving threat. But as Beskrestnov notes, “it’s just beginning.”
