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The ongoing 3-year war between Ukraine and Russia is deeply identified with drone excursions, with one notable UAV being used by Russian forces – the Iranian Shahed UAV, also known by its Russian name – the Geran 2. Now, a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was recently downed during Russian attacks on Ukraine has raised alarms among defense analysts due to its sophisticated capabilities. Ukrainian investigators have recovered a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera, artificial intelligence (AI)-based computing systems, and a radio communication link—features that are a technological step up from previous UAVs deployed in the conflict.
According to AP, the AI onboard appears to support autonomous flight, allowing the drone to continue navigating toward its target even if connection is lost or disrupted. Simultaneously, the radio link enables remote operators—potentially from locations within Russia—to reroute the UAV mid-flight and even manage multiple UAVs in coordination. This dual-mode control system reflects a new phase in the integration of AI into loitering munitions.
While the UAV shares visual similarities with Iranian-made Shahed models, it also includes newer components, including an anti-jamming unit marked as Iranian-manufactured within the past year. Experts believe this is the first documented instance of such an advanced system being deployed in Ukraine, though similar AI-guided technology has previously been identified in Iranian missiles used by Houthi forces in Yemen.
The appearance of this AI-powered UAV suggests ongoing technological collaboration between Russia and Iran, reinforcing concerns over an emerging axis of drone development. Notably, a dedicated manufacturing facility for these drones was established in 2023 in Yelabuga, Russia, built in cooperation with Iranian partners. This plant represents a major step toward domestic production of loitering munitions to support ongoing operations in Ukraine.
The deployment of increasingly autonomous and resilient drone systems on the battlefield underscores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the dynamics of modern warfare, with implications that extend far beyond Ukraine.
