Germany is set to supply Ukraine with advanced drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) starting in December, according to reports from German newspaper Bild.
The drones, manufactured by the company Helsing, will be delivered to Ukraine as part of a broader defense initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
The supply will include 4,000 units of these high-tech drones, referred to as “Mini Taurus” by Bild—a name reminiscent of Germany’s Taurus missile system.
These AI-powered drones will significantly enhance Ukraine’s aerial capabilities, offering a range that is four times greater than the current suicide drones used by Ukrainian forces.
The Mini Taurus drones are said to be equipped with advanced AI systems that enable them to overcome electronic warfare jamming, ensuring they remain operational even when GPS signals are disrupted.
According to experts quoted by Bild, these drones can continue their flight path even in adverse weather conditions and areas under heavy bombardment. This makes them highly resilient and effective for precise strikes on designated targets, even if communication with the drone is lost.
The drones will be delivered to Ukraine at a rate of several hundred per month, with the total delivery amounting to 4,000 units.
The contract for these drones was signed between Helsing and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in September, with funding coming from the German federal government under its Integrated Security Initiative, launched in 2016.
This initiative funds various projects aimed at supporting Ukraine’s defense, including the provision of equipment, weapons, and training.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had previously announced in June that Germany would deliver these AI-powered drones to Ukraine, citing their potential use in targeting significant Russian military assets such as command centers and logistics facilities.
The move is part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression, with these high-tech drones offering a significant edge in modern warfare.
The AI-driven capabilities of the Mini Taurus drones are expected to provide Ukrainian forces with a powerful tool for precision strikes, contributing to their ongoing efforts to repel Russian advances and maintain control over critical areas of the country.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, international support remains crucial, and Germany’s contribution of cutting-edge military technology highlights the growing importance of AI and advanced weaponry in modern conflicts.
The Mini Taurus drones, with their enhanced operational resilience and long-range capabilities, are poised to play a significant role in Ukraine’s military strategy going forward.