Ukrainian Developers Develop AI-Driven Automatic Guidance System for Kamikaze Drones

18 November, 2024 Automatic target detection and acquisition by the ZIR system. Freeze frame from the video of the Militarnyi ZIR System has created an artificial intelligence system that allows drones to automatically recognize and target targets.

The developer stated this in an interview with Militarnyi. ZIR System's artificial intelligence, unlike traditional computer vision systems in kamikaze UAVs, is capable not only of homing in on a specific target, but is also capable of independently recognizing enemy targets.

The FPV drone equipped with a ZIR system. Freeze frame from the video of the Militarnyi

For this purpose, the artificial intelligence was trained on a specially created database.

It is currently capable of recognizing seven types of targets: infantry, cars, minivans, trucks, air defense systems, artillery systems, armored vehicles, and tanks. According to the developer, the system can even recognize equipment hidden in forest plantations. The system can be installed on any FPV kamikaze drone of any type--multicopter, wing, or airjet.

It is equipped with its own camera and is connected to a flight controller and a standard VTXv. The drone with the system installed is controlled using a standard remote control.

Automatic target detection and acquisition by the ZIR system. Freeze frame from the video of the Militarnyi

The range of automatic target recognition is from 150 to 800 meters, depending on the target type.

The range of automatic target acquisition is up to 1000 meters. The system also allows for the detection and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously, with the ability to select the target to be hit. The algorithm also allows for the engagement of moving targets with a speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour.

However, such an advanced system requires a somewhat more expensive component base than conventional homing. According to the developer, their product costs about £50 more. According to the manufacturer, they are also working on a system that could be used on interceptor drones.

However, despite the fact that a software product has already been created, the final product is still far from being ready.

Automatic target detection and acquisition by the ZIR system.

Freeze frame from the video of the Militarnyi

The developers are currently working to improve the accuracy of the system, after which they will codify the system to allow the Ministry of Defense to officially purchase the product.

As previously reported, during the first 9 months of 2024, the defense ministry codified and authorized more than 140 unmanned aerial systems and 33 Ukrainian-made ground robotic systems for use in the Ukrainian Defense Forces.