Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Ukraine has reportedly executed one of its most audacious drone attacks of the ongoing war, claiming significant damage or destruction to over 40 Russian bomber aircraft across several military airbases. The sophisticated covert operation, codenamed "Spider's Web," was allegedly orchestrated by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to SBU insiders speaking to the BBC, the mission was the culmination of 18 months of meticulous planning. A key element of the strategy involved concealing explosive drones within unassuming wooden mobile cabins mounted on trucks. These trucks were then discreetly positioned near targeted Russian airfields, allowing the drones to be launched remotely at the opportune moment.
Reports indicate that Ukraine deployed artificial intelligence-enhanced first-person view (FPV) attack drones in this operation. This aligns with earlier information from Forbes, which detailed how Ukrainian tech startup Strategy Force Solutions (StratForce) had developed autonomous "mothership" drones. These larger drones are designed to carry and deploy smaller FPV attack drones for long-range, deep-strike missions against Russian targets.
How do these AI-powered "Mothership" Drones Work?
The AI-driven GOGOL-M drones, developed by StratForce, have reportedly already proven their capabilities in operational missions, successfully hitting targets up to 300 kilometers away. This range typically necessitates the use of expensive cruise missiles.
Instead of relying on million-dollar munitions, Ukraine is said to be utilizing $10,000 drone sorties that cleverly combine autonomy, AI, and a modular deployment system. Each GOGOL-M mothership drone carries two lightweight FPV drones equipped with StratForce's proprietary "SmartPilot" system. Once the mothership reaches its designated area, it releases the FPV drones, which then execute precision strikes on their targets. The GOGOL-M mothership is designed to return for reuse, making the system highly cost-effective.
"By pairing FPV drones with AI motherships, we can guarantee precision strikes," StratForce CTO Andrii (surname withheld) told Forbes. He likened the drone's autonomous navigation capabilities to those of self-driving cars, but adapted for aerial operations.
What Other Technology is Involved?
The SmartPilot system is at the heart of these drones' advanced capabilities. It utilizes a combination of cameras, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and other sensors for autonomous flight, sophisticated target recognition, and real-time decision-making. Crucially, this system can operate effectively without relying on GPS signals or constant human input. This independence allows for versatile missions, including search-and-destroy operations, ambushing aircraft, or tactically loitering near high-value targets.
"It supports ambush missions, landing and waiting for targets, and autonomous search in real time," Andrii explained to Forbes. These drones can essentially "lurk" near runways or key roadways, striking at the most effective moment, mimicking the instincts of a remote human pilot but without the associated latency or the need for a continuous control link.
StratForce indicates it currently has the capacity to produce 50 GOGOL-M motherships and 400 FPV drones per month, contingent on military procurement orders.
This innovative blend of AI-driven autonomy, cost-effective drone swarms, and ingenious deployment tactics could represent a significant strategic advancement, not just for Ukraine in its current conflict, but for the landscape of modern warfare globally.
Read More: Suspect Detained After Chaotic Stabbing Incident at Japanese Station
