Russia is deploying AI-equipped autonomous Molniya drones extensively in Zaporizhzhia province, stated Serhiy Beskrestnov, an electronic warfare expert and advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defense. He shared this information in a social media post on 3/7, alongside images reportedly from an intercepting drone.

Beskrestnov noted the new Molniya model features a minimal radar cross-section and infrared signature, emitting almost no electromagnetic waves. Its autonomous operation eliminates the need for human control. He warned that current Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection systems cannot effectively warn against these drones.

Molniya UAVs of Russia in an image published on 3/7. Photo: Facebook/Serhiy Beskrestnov

Advisor Beskrestnov previously reported that a Molniya UAV without a control antenna had attacked a facility in Ukraine. "The aircraft only has a camera and a computer. The UAV can automatically adjust its flight path, identify targets, and attack," he said.

This technology first appeared on Russia's V2 UAVs, where engineers used it to train artificial neural networks. "We have detected Molniya units with similar devices, a concerning development," he stated, urging Ukrainian soldiers to report any found UAVs or parts.

This information was released after Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) stated that Russia had significantly upgraded the Molniya series, developing the Molniya-2R variant into a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft.

Instead of carrying a lethal warhead, the Molniya-2R is equipped with a Raspberry Pi 5 computer, a stabilized camera with 10x optical zoom, and a Starlink terminal for data transmission.

Russia's Ministry of Defense has not commented on the information.

The circuit board computer on a Molniya UAV, said to integrate AI for targeting, in an image published on 1/7. Photo: Facebook/Serhiy Beskrestnov

The inexpensive Molniya UAV is made from plywood and foam plastic. Each unit can be assembled on-site in about three hours at a cost of 300 USD. It has a range of 30 km, a maximum speed of 80 km/h, and an operational time of 40 minutes.

Russia previously deployed Molniya carrying first-person view (FPV) drones on its back, transforming the aircraft into a "mother-child" operational UAV. After the Molniya flies deep into enemy lines, the FPV drone detaches from the mother UAV to search for and attack targets.

Russian engineers also installed Starlink transceivers on Molniya, enabling UAV control from very long distances, beyond the range of traditional radio connections. This connection also helps the aircraft better resist jamming and limits one of the most common countermeasures against UAVs today.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters, Kiyv Post)