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A new type of drone is strengthening Ukraine’s battlefield surveillance with the ability to detect enemy fire using sound alone. Developed by German firm Quantum Systems, the Vector AI unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) integrates a compact acoustic sensor designed to identify and locate threats by their audio signature.
The drone, primarily intended for reconnaissance, carries the Weles Acoustic Sensor Payload (WASP), a lightweight 150-gram module capable of detecting artillery fire from distances of up to 15 kilometers and small-arms fire at a range of 2.5 kilometers. This audio intelligence is intended to provide real-time data to Ukrainian forces, enhancing situational awareness without the need for visual line-of-sight, according to NextGenDefense.
Vector AI itself features a 2.8-meter wingspan, endurance of up to four hours, and an operational range of 60 kilometers. Its modular design and use of commercially available components make it relatively easy to deploy and maintain. The drone is currently undergoing trials at Ukrainian military testing grounds to assess its performance under real-world conditions.
One of the more promising developments is the potential for automated signal response. Work is underway to allow the drone to autonomously orient itself toward the source of detected acoustic signals, a feature that could reduce operator workload and accelerate response times.
Ukraine has already deployed a significant number of ground-based acoustic systems—reportedly around 14,000—to track incoming threats such as drones and missiles. These systems have contributed to the interception of aerial attacks.
The Vector AI adds an aerial extension to this ground-based network, offering coverage in areas where fixed sensors may be limited. It joins the company’s Twister UAV in supporting the WASP payload, with plans for broader integration across future platforms.
As Ukraine continues to invest in layered defense technologies, airborne acoustic sensing could become a standard feature in modern battlefield monitoring.
