Ukrainian drones get smarter with AI system capable of recognizing seven types of targets
A ZIR system allows FPV drones to detect and engage infantry, tanks, and artillery with precision, transforming battlefield tactics.
Militarnyi has reported that the ZIR System company has developed an artificial intelligence-powered system that enables drones to automatically identify and target objectives. Currently, developers are focused on improving the system’s accuracy, after which they plan to codify it for procurement by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.
In recent months, Russia has intensified its drone attacks on Ukraine, utilizing various types of drones, including Iranian-made Shaheds, to strike critical infrastructure and urban areas. Conversely, Ukraine has also ramped up its drone capabilities, launching long-range strikes deep into Russian territory. Notable attacks have targeted military facilities and logistics hubs, demonstrating Ukraine’s growing proficiency in drone technology.
Unlike traditional computer vision systems in kamikaze drones, the ZIR system not only guides the drone to determined targets but can independently identify enemy assets.
The AI technology for drones was trained using a specially created database and can currently recognize seven types of targets: infantry, cars, minivans, trucks, air defense systems, artillery, armored vehicles, and tanks.
According to the company, the system can even detect equipment hidden in forested areas. It can be installed on any FPV kamikaze drone, regardless of its type—whether it is a multicopter, wing, or plane. It comes equipped with its own camera and connects to the flight controller and standard VTX module. A drone is operated by a standard remote control.
The system’s target recognition range varies from 150 to 800 meters, depending on the target type, while the automatic targeting range reaches up to 1,000 meters.
Additionally, it can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, allowing the operator to select which one to engage. The AI also helps a drone target moving objects at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
The manufacturer is also developing a system for interceptor drones. Although the software is already ready, a final product is still being developed.
Read more:
- Norway allocates $ 105 million for Ukrainian energy infrastructure recovery
- Ukraine and Russia in talks about halting strikes on energy plants – FT report
- Kremlin denies talks with Ukraine on abandoning energy attacks
- Germany allocates $217 million for Ukraine’s humanitarian winter aid amid Russian energy strikes
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
