Russian Drone AI Focuses on Two Key Areas, Expert Says

Russia is actively developing and deploying AI-driven autonomous drone systems, but for now, their use is almost entirely military, according to Maxim Kondratiev, founder of a drone training center and academic at the Russian Academy of Engineering. Speaking to Lenta.ru, he noted that civilian applications remain rare, with state resources concentrated on defense.

Kondratiev outlined two primary directions for autonomous control. The first is AI-enhanced navigation, particularly optical navigation, where a downward-facing camera analyzes terrain to determine position without relying on satellite signals. The second involves automated target search, recognition, and guidance systems. He emphasized that remote piloting from across Russia hinges on reliable communication links.

While a domestic Starlink alternative—the Rassvet system from bureau 1440—has only about 10 satellites so far, with a full constellation years away, mesh networks are already in use. On Geran drone chains, dozens of aircraft form a seamless relay infrastructure, enabling control far beyond the horizon. Kondratiev added that the government is pushing hard to scale military tech, as seen with the Molniya-2 drone, whose AI software counters radio jamming and uses machine vision to track targets, according to the Defense Ministry.