Technology expert explains whether Shahed drones can automatically acquire targets
Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's defence minister, has outlined the capabilities of Russian Shahed-type attack drones in autonomously acquiring and engaging targets.
Source: Beskrestnov on Telegram
Details: According to Beskrestnov, Russian videos of Shahed drone attacks regularly spark debate over whether the drones possess autonomous targeting capabilities.
He noted that it is important to distinguish between target recognition, AI-powered automatic target selection and a drone's autonomous guidance towards a target.
According to Beskrestnov, modern cameras can already recognise objects and maintain focus on them using neural networks.
"Target prioritisation, selection and autonomous engagement decision-making is undoubtedly the near future for the entire strike UAV capability set," he wrote.
Meanwhile, he said that autonomous target-selection systems are still in the early stages of combat testing in both Ukraine and Russia.
Flash added that implementing automatic terminal guidance in a fixed-wing drone is more challenging than in a rotary-wing aircraft. However, he said this capability has been implemented in both Ukrainian and Russian drones.
He noted that enabling this function on a Shahed drone requires integration at the flight controller level.
"Technically, this is feasible. Naturally, a stable video link is required, since target designation is still operator-controlled," he explained.
Nonetheless, he stressed that assessing the capabilities of specific Russian systems requires examination of captured equipment.
"But I prefer studying trophies rather than speculating, so that we can know exactly what exists and what does not, how it has been implemented and, most importantly, how to counter it," Flash concluded.
Background:
- Beskrestnov previously wrote that Russia uses Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine that are produced just 5-15 days before launch.
- He also detailed the cost of six main types of loitering munitions used by Russian forces, ranging from US$1,600 to US$68,000.
Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.
