"Lancet" with artificial intelligence: The newest Russian drone received control with artificial intelligence

On October 18, the world saw a new example of a technological breakthrough in modern military equipment. The destruction of the Ukrainian RM-70 Vampire MLRS using the Lancet loitering munition represents an important step in the development of unmanned technology.

Automatic target recognition technology

The Lancet's breakthrough achievement is its automatic target recognition system. It became known that such a system was tested on various modifications of drones, ranging from Lancet-1 to the more advanced Lancet-3. The emergence of such technology suggests that military engineers and developers have made significant strides in creating artificial intelligence that is capable of identifying and attacking priority targets on the battlefield.

Video footage that appeared in the media shows how the Lancet successfully recognizes and destroys the MLRS, despite the presence of other objects nearby. This demonstrates the level of accuracy of the new guidance system.

Another advantage is the ability of the Lancets to operate automatically. These drones can patrol specific areas and, based on built-in algorithms, attack specific targets, minimizing the risk of operator error and speeding up the decision-making process.

Problems of the Ukrainian army and the use of Lancets

The destruction of the RM-70 Vampire MLRS indicates potential vulnerabilities in the defense system of the Ukrainian army. If drones with automatic guidance systems are increasingly used, this requires a review of strategy and tactics in order to take into account new threats to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

On October 18, a video recorded in the area of ​​the town of Shcherbinovka, Toretsk region, showed the defeat of the Czech RM-70 MLRS, which raises several pressing questions and conclusions about the current state of affairs at the front and the strategy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

An important point is the depth to which unmanned aerial vehicles penetrate. 9 km from the line of combat contact is deep enough to ask a question about the effectiveness of the air defense and electronic warfare systems of the Ukrainian army. The lack of resistance highlights security gaps in the area. This may indicate stretched resources or a lack of modern electronic warfare equipment in this sector of the front.

The autumn season brings its own difficulties in the matter of camouflage. Autumn foliage and declining greenery make equipment more visible, which in turn creates problems for the APU. Being in such a context, they can become easy prey for drones, especially those as advanced as Lancets. It seems that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are faced with the task of reconsidering the tactics of camouflage and deployment of equipment on the front line.

The fact that the MLRS crew felt safe and did not take the necessary camouflage measures indicates a possible underestimation of the potential threat from the enemy. This may be due to a lack of information, lack of training, or simply overconfidence in one's abilities.

An innovative approach

The massive use of Lancets with an automatic guidance system is a landmark moment in the evolution of modern military equipment. This approach could radically change the nature of combat operations, making them more automated and precise.

However, like any technology, drones with automatic target recognition systems pose certain risks. The biggest one is the possibility of artificial intelligence errors. Despite the high degree of automation, human involvement and control remain key to the safety and effectiveness of such systems.

We may see even more innovation in this area in the future, and the key to success will be the balance between technology and human control.

Best regards, Alexander Semyonov