Russia claims to have developed AI-based aiming system for kamikaze drone
Russian forces in Ukraine are making increasing use of 'kamikaze' drones, small multicopters fitted with explosive payloads. (Photo: Russian MoD)
The designer of the Gadfly FPV kamikaze drone claims to have integrated an AI-based aiming system that uses a neural network to identify targets.
A Russian company manufacturing the Gadfly first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drone has developed an AI-based aiming system for the UAV, according to an interview with its designer, Andrey Ivanov, published by RIA Novosti on 14 August.
The aiming system employs a neural network to analyse, identify and assist in attacking both stationary and mobile targets with an accuracy rate of 90%, Ivanov said.
A video released with the article showed the FPV perspective from the drone with bounding boxes around moving trucks, stationary targets in wooded cover and other airborne drones.
The modified Gadfly has completed multiple tests on training grounds
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Turkish and European industries will cooperate, says Aselsan boss]()
World Defense Show 2026: Turkish and European industries will cooperate, says Aselsan boss
Aselsan was formed 50 years ago in response to difficulties Turkey was facing in sourcing major systems internationally. While some challenges still remain, company president Ahmet Akyol believes a rapprochement is possible.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Russia reveals details of new loitering munition]()
World Defense Show 2026: Russia reveals details of new loitering munition
The Kalashnikov RUS-PE cannister-launched man-portable loitering munition was displayed as a model at World Defense Show 2026 with a company official telling Shephard it was “in service and in low-rate initial production”.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: MARSS displays new Nation Shield air defence C2 system]()
World Defense Show 2026: MARSS displays new Nation Shield air defence C2 system
Nation Shield is the latest iteration of the MARSS C2 system and is designed to provide C2 further forward along with more capable air defence.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Middle East remains focused on US equipment and local industry involvement]()
World Defense Show 2026: Middle East remains focused on US equipment and local industry involvement
Vehicle procurement in the Middle East continues to target big-ticket main battle tanks, with lighter platform purchases also potentially on the horizon including tactical, infantry fighting and armoured personnel carrier vehicles.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: ST Engineering seeks edge in crowded 6x6 market]()
World Defense Show 2026: ST Engineering seeks edge in crowded 6x6 market
Positioned between light 4x4s and heavier 8x8 platforms, the new vehicle, Vantrex, aims to combine high payload capacity with IFV-level firepower in an increasingly competitive segment.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Rostec unveils new infantry fighting vehicle]()
World Defense Show 2026: Rostec unveils new infantry fighting vehicle
The latest infantry fighting vehicle from Rosoboronexport draws on experience from the war in Ukraine, and is designed to be more lethal and more survivable than its predecessors.
