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"Such technology constitutes the future threat," warns Serhiy Beskrestnov, who recently obtained a newly intercepted enemy unmanned aerial vehicle.

It was no ordinary device either, it was revealed. Assisted by artificial intelligence, this drone can locate and attack targets autonomously.

The consultant has examined numerous unmanned systems in his capacity as Ukrainian military advisor.

In contrast to other models, the drone did not transmit or receive communications, so be impossible to be jammed.

Both sides' militaries have both been testing AI in the conflict, and in some areas they are already deploying it, for finding targets, gathering intelligence and de-mining.

And for the Ukrainian army, AI is now indispensable.

"The armed forces gets over 50,000 footage feeds [from the front line] monthly that get analysed by AI," says the defense official.

"This helps them rapidly process this massive data, identify targets and mark them on a map."

AI-Driven Technology as a Strategic Tool

AI-enhanced tech is seen as a instrument that can enhance strategic planning, make the most of resources and ultimately protect personnel.

But regarding unmanned weapons systems, it is also transforming the battlefield.

The country's soldiers currently employ AI-powered systems so that drones lock on a target and subsequently operate independently for the last few hundred metres until the operation is over.

Signal disruption is impossible and shooting down such a tiny airborne device proves difficult.

Ultimately these systems are expected to become fully autonomous armaments that are able to detect and destroy targets on their own.

An operator must do is press a icon on a mobile application, notes Yaroslav Azhnyuk, chief executive of Ukrainian developer.

The drone will do the rest, according to him, finding the target, releasing explosives, evaluating the damage and then returning to headquarters.

"It doesn't demand flight experience from the soldier," he continues.

Defensive Systems and Future Advancements

Interceptor unmanned craft with such autonomous capability could significantly enhance air defences against Russian long-range attack drones, such as the infamous Shaheds.

"An AI-driven autonomous system is better than a human in so many ways," explains Azhnyuk. "It can be sharper. It detects the target sooner than a human can. It can be more agile."

The deputy defence minister says such a technology does not exist yet, but he suggests the country is nearing finishing its creation. "We have partly implemented it in certain equipment," states the representative.

There could even be many thousands of such systems deployed by the end of 2026, predicts Azhnyuk.

Cautions and Dangers of Full Autonomy

However Local creators are cautious about fully making use of defence systems that depend solely on AI, without any human involvement. The danger is AI may fail to differentiate a friendly fighter from a Russian one, since both could be wearing the identical attire, notes Vadym, who asked to remain anonymous.

The firm produces remotely controlled machine guns, that use AI to automatically detect individuals and track them. Due to concerns over accidental attacks, he says they avoid including an auto-fire feature.

"We can enable it, but we need to gain further expertise and additional input from the ground forces in order to determine the safe conditions to use this feature."

Ethical Concerns and Global Regulations

Additionally, there are concerns that automated systems could breach the laws of armed conflict. How will they avoid injuring non-combatants, or tell apart personnel who wish to yield?

According to the official, the ultimate choice in these cases should rest with a human, even if AI would make it "easier to decide". Yet there are no guarantees that nations or armed groups will adhere to global humanitarian standards.

Therefore neutralizing such technologies is increasingly important.

How do you halt a "swarm of drones" when electronic warfare or using aircraft, tanks or missiles is rendered ineffective?

The nation's highly successful "Web" operation, when a hundred drones attacked Russian military airports in June, is believed to be supported by artificial intelligence.

Numerous locals worry that the adversary will copy this approach, not only on the battlefront but beyond it as well.

Ukraine's president cautioned the UN last month that AI was fueling "the worst arms race in history."

He urged global rules for the use of AI in weapons, and said the issue is "just as urgent as stopping the spread of nuclear weapons."