The article also mentions that this capability is not unique to Russia. AeroVironment, a US-based company, has developed an autonomous version of its Switchblade series of loitering munitions. However, current Pentagon rules do not allow autonomous strikes without human involvement. Ukrainian drone developers are also working on similar capabilities. The article concludes by suggesting that victory in Ukraine may go to the side that successfully fields a large number of autonomous drones, and that an AI arms race is underway in the country.
Key takeaways:
- Russia's Lancet loitering munition drone appears to have a new 'target lock' mode that enables automated object recognition, potentially foreshadowing a new level of AI-enabled warfare.
- The new target identification system may work faster and more reliably than a human observer in confirming targets, and it will continue to work even if the link with the operator is lost due to jamming.
- While the Lancet drone can identify and lock on to specific types of vehicle, it is still primarily used for terminal guidance rather than seek-and-destroy, with targets previously spotted by a scout drone operator.
- An AI arms race is under way in Ukraine, with the potential impact to be felt far beyond the borders of Europe. Western efforts should support Ukrainian efforts to field large numbers of autonomous drones, according to a report from UK defence thinktank RUSI.