Speaking to AFP, Ignat explained that the new turrets use “optical vision and artificial intelligence to eliminate the human factor and deliver strikes”.
Sergiy Beskrestnov, a technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, explained on Telegram over the weekend that the new automated turrets were “an innovative Ukrainian solution that shoots down [drones] using machine guns controlled by artificial intelligence”.
He said that 12 of the turrets had been installed in Kyiv, adding that “more turrets will be installed in the future”.
Ignat acknowledged that the new system had a small operating radius.
He said: “It can operate at about one kilometre plus. And it works when conditions are favourable, when the attack approach angle is suitable.”
Ignat said that, currently, most of the work against jet-powered drones “is actually done by aviation”.
He said: “Because they fly high, they fly fast, it’s the fighters that can catch them, especially the F-16s.”
Ukraine, which has repeatedly sought more support to fend off Russia since its full-scale invasion began in 2022, has been accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into its defence capabilities.
It is already using the technology on the front lines to guide drones, detect targets for strikes and coordinate large-scale operations.
– AFP