The Ukrainian National Guard’s 1st Corps, Azov, is attacking Russian logistics in and around occupied Donetsk using AI-powered Hornet attack drones that can operate far beyond the front lines.
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According to German reports build On April 18, citing footage and information attributed to Azov, it announced that the drones had been used to attack Russian military vehicles from up to 65 kilometers away in Russian-controlled territory. German journalist Julian Ropke also reported on the use of these systems, highlighting their role in cutting off supply routes.
Video footage released shows drone attacks on Russian military trucks, including Kamaz and Ural platforms, operating along key logistics routes near Donetsk. The footage shows that the drone can distinguish targets and mark them through a multi-stage identification system prior to operator confirmation and engagement.
According to BILD, Hornet drones use artificial intelligence to identify, classify, and prioritize targets. Objects are automatically highlighted initially and the selected target is approved by the operator before the drone starts attacking. The system reportedly allows for precise targeting while maintaining control via Starlink satellite communications.
Technical specifications are still limited. However, BILD, citing anonymous sources, said the drone could have a range of up to 100 kilometers and carry a warhead weighing around 5 kilograms. The source said the system is significantly cheaper than comparable Western platforms, with an estimated cost of less than 5,000 euros.
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June 10, 2024 18:15
The Hornet drone was reportedly developed by Swift Beat, a US-based company owned by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, as part of the broader Project Eagle initiative. According to BILD, the project focuses on building autonomous, AI-powered drone systems for modern warfare and involves engineers with backgrounds at major technology and aerospace companies.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported that British-made Malloy T-150 heavy-lift drones are being used not only for front-line replenishment, but also for combat operations, including delivering explosives to damage key bridges used by Russian forces in the Kherson region.
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