Defence and Security

Ukraine Builds AI Drone Fleets to Combat Russian Forces

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2024

editor

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Ukrainian tech startups like Vyriy and Swarmer are developing AI-powered drones to assist in the ongoing conflict with Russia. These drones can operate in synchronized fleets, completing strikes or surveillance missions autonomously, without continuous human intervention. Swarmer CEO Serhiy Kupriienko highlights the necessity of automation at scale, stating that managing a swarm of 10 to 20 drones manually is nearly impossible, whereas AI can handle “hundreds” simultaneously.

Ukraine has been using drones in its defense for over a year, but Russian signal jamming has been a significant issue, disrupting human-operated drones mid-flight. AI-powered drones, however, are immune to this problem since they don’t rely on continuous signals once a mission is assigned. This capability enhances their operational reliability and effectiveness.

The AI lead for a Ukraine-backed tech accelerator noted that the ultimate goal is to deploy drones with no human connection on the front lines, aiming for more effective AI-guided strikes. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, emphasized that maximum automation is crucial for Ukraine’s victory.

Some autonomous drones are already active on the battlefield, targeting Russian assets such as oil refineries using machine vision technology. Autonomous weaponized helicopters are also in development, potentially reducing the need for direct human involvement further.

Noah Sylvia, a research analyst at the UK think tank Royal United Services Institute, explained that the AI drones use machine vision, a form of AI trained to identify geographic and target-specific features.

While the use of autonomous drones raises ethical concerns, it could decrease the human cost of the war. As of August last year, Ukraine’s death toll exceeded 70,000 according to a report cited by Congress. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a lower figure of 31,000 Ukrainian troop deaths as of February this year.

Defence and Security

Army Chief Pledges Better Welfare, Fair Postings for Troops

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to prioritise troop welfare, transparency, and fairness in postings to boost morale and strengthen operational efficiency.

Shaibu made the promise on Thursday in Maiduguri during an interactive session with defence correspondents as part of his operational tour of the North-East.

He commended troops for their resilience in defending the nation and assured that the Army would sustain and improve the soldier-first welfare policy introduced by his predecessor.

“As soldiers get what is due to them on time, we will extend that support to their families while they serve their fatherland,” he said.

The COAS also vowed that merit and professionalism would guide all postings and appointments, ensuring fairness and competence in leadership.

Shaibu, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, described morale as a key component of fighting power and reaffirmed his commitment to timely payment of allowances and other entitlements.

His visit was part of efforts to assess field operations and enhance the welfare of frontline troops battling insurgency in the region.

(NAN)

Defence and Security

Tinubu Intensifies Multi-Front War Against Terrorism -Alake

Published

16 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Deji Alake, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is intensifying its multi-dimensional campaign against terrorism through military action, socio-economic reforms, and regional diplomacy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Alake said the government’s renewed strategy builds on lessons from past failures.

“If the measures being taken now had been implemented ten years ago, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said.

He noted that recent changes in the leadership of security agencies were deliberate steps to strengthen the fight against insecurity, adding that results were already visible.

Alake dismissed claims that terrorist attacks in Nigeria were faith-based, stressing that most stem from economic or political grievances.

He urged the media to avoid promoting negative narratives and instead spotlight the successes of the armed forces.

Defence and Security

Mbah-led NEC Security Training Committee Begins Work

Published

2 days ago

November 4, 2025

By Omoniyi David

The Governor Peter Mbah-led National Economic Council (NEC), Committee on the Overhaul of Security Training Institutions has commenced work, pledging to deliver a comprehensive report within one month.

Speaking during an inspection of the Police Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, Mbah said the committee would address the decay in training facilities to improve professionalism and morale among security personnel.

“It is unacceptable to expect quality officers to emerge from dilapidated environments,” he said, noting that a secure nation was key to President Tinubu’s trillion-dollar economy vision.

Mbah revealed that the committee, which includes seven governors and former IGP Alkali Baba as secretary, has been divided into two subcommittees for efficiency.

Governor Dapo Abiodun said a consulting engineer had been engaged to prepare a detailed report for swift implementation.

Commandant AIG Omolara Oluruntola decried the college’s poor facilities, stressing the need for urgent renovation to produce competent officers.