The symbiotic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within military drones has revolutionized the paradigm of modern warfare, particularly in the realm of target recognition. Within the complexities of a modern battlefield, distinguishing between combatants, non-combatants, and neutral entities is crucial. AI-driven object detection and classification algorithms excel in this arena, accurately identifying and categorizing targets with reduced false positives. This precision minimizes collateral damage and aligns military operations more closely with the principles of just war theory. The integration of AI facilitates a significant reduction in the sensor-to-shooter timeline, allowing drones to autonomously engage targets within a legally defined rules of engagement (ROE) framework. This accelerated decision cycle is pivotal in exploiting fleeting target opportunities, a common challenge in dynamic combat environments.
The Russians have integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their OVOD-S drones as a countermeasure against jamming techniques that typically disrupt operator control. This AI system boasts real-time target identification and engagement capabilities, even when the drone is subjected to intense electronic interference. Notably, the system achieves a remarkably high hit rate of approximately 90%, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield. Priced between 40,000 to 69,000 rubles (approximately $410 to $710 USD), this technology offers significant bang for the buck. At the heart of this capability lies a sophisticated computer board that meticulously analyzes video feeds from onboard cameras. This analysis enables the drone to interpret its surroundings, pinpoint potential targets, and autonomously investigate suspicious entities – such as an isolated bush in an open field that might conceal a camouflaged enemy vehicle or outpost. Upon closer inspection, utilizing both standard and thermal imaging, the drone can confirm the nature of the target with a high degree of accuracy.
These drones are designed with a tactical radius of about 8 kilometers, deliberately limiting their operation to enemy territory to avoid friendly fire incidents. The homing system, powered by advanced technical vision and neural network technologies, facilitates object recognition and precise targeting. Operators can designate targets with ease, simply by pressing a button, and the drone will pursue them even under the debilitating effects of electronic warfare. Furthermore, the OVOD-S features a remote detonation capability, a self-destruction mechanism for sensitive mission scenarios, and a multi-layered protection system for its warhead. Available in various configurations, the OVOD drone carries a combat load of approximately 3.5 kilograms, operates at speeds of 150-180 km/h, and has a flight endurance of 8 to 10 minutes.
In response, Ukrainian forces are employing jamming tactics aimed at disrupting the OVOD-S’s operational effectiveness. Specifically, they target the 2.4 and 5.2 GHz frequency bands used for control and video data transmission, seeking to blind the drone and sever its communication link with the operator. This approach not only prevents the drone from sending back vital video intelligence but also inhibits its ability to receive return-to-home commands. A particularly cunning aspect of this strategy involves exploiting the behavior of some drones that, upon losing signal, automatically return to their launch site. Ukrainian forces utilize jammer drones to intercept and disrupt the OVOD-S, then track it back to its point of origin. Once the launch location is identified, artillery strikes can be precisely directed at these sites in an effort to neutralize the drone operators, thereby crippling the enemy’s unmanned aerial capabilities.