Official announcements from Ukrainian government and defense analysis reports

Russia's AI-Equipped Shahed-136 Drones Target Power Plants, Produce 2,000 Monthly

Dec 27, 2024, 05:10 PM

Russia has reportedly integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its Shahed-136 and Geran drones, enabling them to autonomously identify and target critical infrastructure, such as power plants, even in the absence of network connectivity. According to Ukraine's Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, this development makes the drones harder to jam and more effective in electronic warfare conditions. The drones are part of a broader expansion of Russia's drone production capabilities, with facilities like the Alabuga plant producing 2,000 Shahed drones per month despite sanctions and labor shortages. The Alabuga plant has also been noted for its reliance on Chinese components and foreign labor, including underage workers and recruits from African countries. Ukrainian officials have called for increased Western support, including interceptor missiles, to counter these advanced drone threats.