Ukraine has begun using automated turrets to counter russian strike drones, and the systems have already demonstrated the ability to destroy airborne targets, according to Yurii Ihnat, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force.

Yurii Ihnat said the robotic systems had already achieved successful interceptions of russian unmanned aerial vehicles. He noted that their performance was particularly notable because some of the targets were jet-powered drones.

Read more: ​russian 2S1 Gvozdika Howitzer Destroyed after Ukrainian Drone Spots Firing Position (Video)

The automated turrets have even been used against russian Geran-5 strike UAV. He said he had initially been skeptical about whether such systems would be capable of engaging relatively fast jet-powered drones, but their combat use had produced convincing results.

A key element behind the turrets’ performance is the use of artificial intelligence and machine vision. Instead of relying entirely on a human operator to identify and track an incoming drone, the system can use automated target recognition and engagement technologies.

Yurii Ihnat emphasized that this approach can reduce the possibility of human error during an interception. The system’s machine-vision capabilities allow it to detect and track targets automatically, which is particularly important when engaging drones that move at higher speeds and leave less time for a human operator to react.

The reported interception of Geran-5 systems is significant because jet-powered UAVs can present a more difficult target than conventional propeller-driven strike drones. Their higher speed can reduce the engagement window available to short-range air defense systems.

At the same time, Yurii Ihnat stressed that the automated turrets currently have a limited effective range. Their primary weapon is a machine gun, meaning the systems are designed for relatively close-range engagements rather than replacing longer-range air defense platforms.

Read more: ​Ukraine’s Nemesis Brigade Destroys Five russian Radars, Three Air Defense Systems (Video)