Ukraine has deployed autonomous drones fueled by artificial intelligence to attack Russian military aircraft through several air bases, marking significant escalation in the use of AI technology in war. The operation, named “Spider’s Web”, would have damaged more than 40 Russian bomber planeIncluding long-range bombers Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3. The coordinated strikes targeted Russian aerodromes covering thousands of kilometers, facilities near Moscow to the bases of eastern Siberia and the Far East. SBU sources that spoke to the BBC said that the 18 -month operation involved hiding explosive drones in wooden mobile cabins mounted on trucks, which were positioned near Russian aerodromes before starting from a distance.Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed the first use in combat of the “Mother Drone” system powered by AI, developed by the Defense Technology Cluster Brave1. The system can deliver two first -person strike drones guided by AI 300 kilometers behind the enemy lines.
AI drones operate without human control
AI drones have used advanced autonomous systems that operate independently once deployed. The reports indicate that technology includes “mother vessels” drones capable of providing first -person strike drones (FPV) of smaller person (FPV) up to 300 kilometers behind enemy lines. These systems use inertial visual navigation with cameras and LIDAR technology, allowing them to identify and initiate targets without GPS dependence or human intervention.The SmartPilot system allows drones to process video data in real time via AI algorithms, to locate high value targets, including planes, air defense systems and critical infrastructure. Each operation would cost around $ 10,000, on the cost of 10 pros iPhone 16, much less expensive than conventional missile strikes, which can cost 300 to 500 times more, depending on reports.
The strategic impact extends beyond immediate damage
The operation has targeted strategic missile transport bombers, including Tu-95, Tu-22 and TU-160 planes, which are no longer in production and difficult to replace. Military analysts suggest that the strike assigned approximately 34% of the fleet of strategic bombers from Russia in key bases, representing billions of dollars in potential damage.The Defense Technology Cluster Brave1 has developed drone systems as part of the country’s broader strategy to compensate for the disadvantages of labor and firepower thanks to technological innovation.
