Autonomous FPV Drone Used by Ukrainian Troops in Operational Debut

A new video showing the Ukrainians using autonomous First Person View (FPV) drone for the first time to hit targets is being circulated on social media.

Ukrainian military tactics, activist and volunteer Serhii Sternenko shared the video footage on social media platform X. The video footage, shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), captures the precise destruction of a Russian tank, achieved through a coordinated effort between the 60th and 63rd Mechanized Brigades.

Sternenko noted the drone’s attack despite encountering active jamming from enemy electronic warfare systems. In the final stage of the operation, the drone autonomously engaged and destroyed the Russian tank.

Sternenko's announcement emphasized the need for ongoing refinement and scalability for the widespread adoption of this technology. He urged support from the public, soliciting donations to fund the acquisition of over 1,300 drones equipped with autonomous targeting capabilities. These funds will also be invested in further research and development to enhance the technology's effectiveness.

The introduction of autonomous targeting capabilities represents a significant leap forward in drone warfare, enabling the engagement of enemy targets over extended distances amidst active radio interference—a challenge that was previously difficult to overcome. This development comes at a crucial time as both Ukrainian and Russian military forces continue to invest in similar technologies, underscoring the importance of staying ahead in the arms race.

Efforts to integrate autonomous targeting systems onto drones have been ongoing, with previous attempts focusing on platforms like suicide drones. However, practical results had remained elusive until Sternenko's unveiling of this latest advancement.