AI & Drones: The New Face of Terrorism?

15 years ago, Syria witnessed terrorists employing rudimentary drones, crafted in makeshift “garages.” Fast forward to today, the War in Ukraine magnifies this tactic with both warring nations aiming to produce a staggering 100,000-200,000 drones monthly to maintain battlefield equilibrium.

A similar scenario played out in Israel. HAMAS leveraged drones to strike Israel’s infrastructure. But, it’s essential to note that a majority of these drones are basic and remotely controlled, with limitations such as imprecision, limited range, and vulnerability to electromagnetic warfare.

However, the drone landscape is poised for transformation with the integration of AI, and this change is imminent.

As the leader of “AI for Security ” at the AI Committee of Ukraine and an autonomous navigation expert, I’ve observed countries like Russia heavily investing in affordable, fully autonomous systems that rely on visual data for drone navigation. These AI-infused drones are resilient against electromagnetic interference, marking a significant advancement.

With the mass adoption of such AI systems, the availability of open-source solutions for autonomous navigation, and a cost reduction to merely $1,000 – $2,000 per drone, the global military balance is set to tilt. In this new era, a mere budget of $20k and rudimentary knowledge will empower anyone to craft a garage-built fully autonomous drone with potential terror applications.

In this evolving landscape, current technologies offer scant protection against autonomous drones. Regrettably, with the tools at our disposal, it will be possible can guarantee safety only for restricted zones.

I strongly advocate for prioritized investments in anti-drone solutions and stricter regulation of essential components. Currently, sensors and onboard computers necessary for onboard AI remain challenging to produce for underdeveloped nations. Harnessing and controlling these components may be our best bet in countering this burgeoning threat.

Best regards,
Vitaliy Goncharuk
Founder
WiseRegulation.org

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vactivity