08/20/2026
Units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are already using more than 70 systems based on artificial intelligence and computer vision to perform combat missions. The technologies help with navigation, detection and recognition of objects, as well as guiding drones to targets.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The department noted that today more than 200 Ukrainian companies are engaged in the production of drones using AI.
How AI is helping drones on the frontline
Artificial intelligence and computer vision allow algorithms to perform some of the tasks previously performed by operators, including navigation, image analysis, object recognition, and automatic re-targeting.
Machine vision algorithms allow drones to navigate without a GPS signal. The system analyzes terrain and landmarks and compares them with preloaded maps. Neural networks also analyze images from onboard cameras and detect enemy military equipment and manpower.
The technology is also used when the drone approaches a target. After capturing it, the system can continue moving autonomously, even if the operator loses contact with the drone due to the operation of Russian electronic warfare equipment.
At the same time, the Ministry of Defense emphasized that the final decision on selecting a target and its destruction is made by a person. The agency has set itself the task of ensuring that 100% of drones at the front have machine vision and artificial intelligence.
Avengers Labs trains AI on battlefield data
Another tool for the development of military AI is the Avengers Labs platform, which the Ministry of Defense has opened access to for Ukrainian defense companies. It contains an annotated array of 5 million frames collected on the battlefield. A significant part of this data comes from the DELTA combat system and is constantly being updated.
The array presents images of various targets – tanks, artillery, air defense systems, infantry, as well as aerial targets, including Shahed and reconnaissance drones.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Avengers Labs detects 70% of enemy vehicles on video in the Vezha module of the DELTA system. The system takes about 2.2 seconds to find one target.
As OBOZ.UA reported, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov previously spoke about his vision for the technological development of the Ukrainian army. He emphasized the need for maximum robotization of the front and the wider use of drones and autonomous systems that should perform combat missions wherever possible.
Fedorov believes that in the future Ukraine should switch to using fully autonomous combat systems with artificial intelligence. In his opinion, the development of such technologies should help save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.