Ukraine deploys AI-powered robotic turrets to shoot down Russian drones

Ukraine has begun using robotic turrets equipped with artificial intelligence to shoot down new Russian jet-powered drones, which are faster and harder to intercept, the Ukrainian Air Force announced Monday. For weeks, Kyiv has sought solutions to counter these new Russian drones striking the capital while facing an acute shortage of suitable ammunition. Colonel Yuri Ignat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, said the turrets use optical vision and AI to eliminate the human factor, with successful shootdowns already recorded, including of the larger Geran-5 model. The system has a limited range of about one kilometer and works best under favorable conditions, with Ignat calling it part of an integrated air defense approach rather than a panacea. Ukraine has accelerated AI integration across its defense capabilities, including drone guidance and target identification.