Ukrainian drones gain autonomous targeting as AI system enables fire-and-forget strikes

Ukraine's military is equipping cheap, expendable drones with an autonomous targeting system that allows them to seek out and strike moving targets on their own. The development marks a significant step toward more independent weapon systems on the battlefield.

New Autonomous Capability#

Starting in mid-July, Ukraine began receiving Shrike drones—manufactured by local firm SkyFall—fitted with AI-powered guidance technology from US-based Auterion. The partnership aims to deliver 50,000 upgraded drones over the coming months. The system, called Skynode S, transforms the $400 FPV drones into semi-autonomous weapons that can operate without direct operator control.

The workflow is straightforward: a human operator manually pilots the drone into a combat zone using a first-person camera feed, spots a target within half a mile, and then activates what Auterion's CEO Lorenz Meier describes as "fire-and-forget terminal guidance mode." From that point, the drone handles the job independently.

How It Works Without GPS#

The autonomy system relies entirely on the drone's onboard camera feed to track and pursue targets—a significant advantage in modern warfare where GPS jamming is routine. Operators retain the ability to abort a strike or redirect the drone to a new target as long as they maintain radio contact, but the system continues to function and hit its mark even if that link is severed by obstacles or electronic warfare.

This camera-only approach sidesteps vulnerabilities that plague GPS-dependent systems. Whether blocked by buildings, terrain, or active jamming from adversaries, the drone can still navigate to and strike its designated target.

Track Record#

Shrike drones have already proven effective throughout Russia's invasion, destroying armored vehicles, artillery, electronic warfare equipment, and rocket launchers. The platform has also scored two confirmed kills against Russian Mi-28 helicopters, each valued at roughly $19 million—demonstrating that low-cost drones can inflict outsized damage on expensive military hardware.