The UK tested a swarm of AI-powered drones with Ukraine's participation
British defense companies have developed and tested an autonomous swarm of eight AI-powered drones capable of independently detecting and engaging targets, paving the way for the technology’s deployment in the military.
This is reported in an article by The Telegraph.
Eight quadcopters with an AI-based “collective intelligence” took off on their own. Two reconnaissance drones in the front scanned the terrain, while the rest tracked targets simulating a column of armored vehicles. Upon locating the targets, the swarm received permission to attack from a human operator and carried out a simulated bombing run.
Despite the system’s autonomy, the decision to use lethal force remains with a human. The developers insist: AI identifies and tracks the target, but only the operator can press the trigger.
In Ukraine, drones are already responsible for over 90% of combat losses on the battlefield. A “kill zone” stretching over 19 kilometers deep is constantly patrolled by drones—ranging from reconnaissance to kamikaze models. Russia, for its part, is developing its own drone swarms.
British developers have received assistance from Ukraine as a recognized global leader in drone warfare. According to the project manager, the pace of change is “staggering”—and falling behind is not an option.
Applied Intuition has conducted over 200 test flights but is awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Defense regarding further funding. The British defense investment plan was supposed to be released this fall, but has been delayed due to disputes between the ministry and the Treasury. The industry warns that the delay jeopardizes entire projects and could drive smaller companies into bankruptcy.
As a reminder, all-weather AI-powered interceptor drones are being developed in Ukraine.
In February, in Kyiv and its environs, over 70% of Russian Shahed-type strike drones were destroyed by interceptor drones.
As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Ukraine may face difficulties in obtaining missiles for air defense systems due to military operations in the Middle East.
