Ukraine Deploys AI Drones with Facial Recognition and Heat Signature Targeting
Russian military bloggers claim Ukraine has started deploying drones equipped with artificial intelligence systems capable of identifying and guiding themselves toward human targets using facial contours and heat signatures.
“Attention. The enemy has begun using updated tactical drones with combat artificial intelligence. There are signs of auto-guidance on facial contours and the corresponding heat signature loaded into the ‘brains’ of the unmanned aerial vehicle,” the Russian Telegram channel “Dva Mayora” wrote.
Ukraine has not confirmed the report, and we have not independently verified the claim.
The claims surfaced alongside videos circulated on Russian social media that purportedly show a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier with what appeared to be a precise head-level attack.
Military analysts cited by Forbes said the drones may be using explosively formed projectile, or EFP, warheads, which fire a high-velocity metal slug capable of penetrating protective cages and other battlefield defenses from several meters away.
Unlike conventional FPV (first-person view) drones that detonate on impact, EFP-equipped drones can strike targets at a distance, potentially allowing operators to attack protected positions more effectively. Analysts noted, however, that accurately timing and aiming such weapons would likely require advanced operator skill or AI-assisted targeting.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian OSINT channel disputed suggestions that the drones were fully autonomous “slaughterbot” weapons, arguing the footage more likely showed a drone equipped with a directional explosive charge.
“Look, a drone with a directed detonation. It flew up and fired accurately from about 10 meters,” the channel wrote.
The reports come as Ukraine continues rapidly expanding its drone warfare capabilities. Kyiv has prioritized mass production of FPV drones and recently adapted the video game Grand Theft Auto V into a custom simulator to train FPV drone pilots for urban combat scenarios.
