Russian Company Develops AI-Powered Combat Drone Capable of Autonomous Target Engagement.

A groundbreaking development in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has been announced by a Russian company based in Tula, as reported by the Russian media outlet Sputnik on April 15, 2024. The company has unveiled "Ovod," a first-person view (FPV) combat drone equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) guidance system that allows it to recognize and engage targets autonomously.
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A Russian soldier prepares an FPV aerial drone armed with a rocket-propelled grenade for a strike against Ukrainian positions.  (Picture source Russian MoD)

The Ovod FPV (First Person View) drone incorporates the "Ploshchad" onboard homing system, which utilizes a combination of algorithmic tracking through technical vision and a neural network-based system. This innovative approach enables the drone to identify and destroy targets independently, even in the absence of direct communication with its operator.

Andrey Ivanov, the creator of the Ovod system, highlighted the significant advantage this technology brings to combat scenarios. "The effectiveness of the Ovod drone is particularly notable when the drone operates beyond the range of radio visibility, such as behind forests, hills, or buildings, where traditional communication links would fail," explained Ivanov. "Once the drone locks onto a target, it can continue to track and engage effectively, regardless of any disruption in the communication link."

This capability is especially critical in modern warfare, where the ability to operate under diverse and challenging conditions is paramount. The AI system ensures that the drone can hit both static and moving targets with high accuracy, enhancing the effectiveness of military operations while reducing the risk to human operators.

The introduction of such technology raises important ethical and strategic questions about the future of autonomous weapons systems in combat. The Ovod drone represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI into military technology, signaling a potential shift in how future conflicts are conducted.

The development and deployment of First Person View (FPV) drones in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict have marked a significant evolution in aerial warfare tactics. These drones, equipped with cameras that provide a drone operator with a direct visual perspective as if they were onboard, have been utilized for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct combat. Both sides of the conflict have employed these agile and relatively inexpensive systems to gain tactical advantages in various combat scenarios.

FPV drones enhance situational awareness, enable precise strikes, and reduce the risk to human pilots by performing dangerous missions over contested areas. Their use in this protracted conflict underscores the increasing reliance on remote and autonomous systems in modern warfare, reflecting broader global trends in military strategy and technology.

Defense News April 2024