The first batch of 3,000 FPV drones with machine vision and target guidance technologies has already been ordered by the government. The next tender for 10,000 units has been launched through the closed Prozorro module.
Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, reported this, noting that over 10 companies in Ukraine now produce such drones. This allows the government to select the best models through a competitive process.
Read more: New FPV Drones with Machine Vision for Automatic Target Tracking Empower Ukrainian Forces (Video)
The machine vision technologies with autonomous tracking and target guidance address two main problems of FPV drones. First, they neutralize the impact of enemy electronic warfare systems because a drone with machine vision can fly autonomously after locking onto a target, without needing a connection to the operator. Second, they reduce the dependence of attack results on the operator's skill, as responsibility now lies with the algorithm, not with the operator's hands and reactions.
"The war is moving to a new technological level, so we need to act quickly, support entrepreneurs, and predict the future," stated Mykhailo Fedorov.
It is worth noting that discussions about integrating machine vision technologies into FPV drones began actively at the end of 2023. For a significant period, this remained limited to individual experiments in both Ukraine and russia. However, it cannot be said that this dramatically increases the price of drones. For example, russian drones equipped with machine vision solutions have been observed at prices ranging from $120 to $150.
At the same time, the cheapest solution is not always the best, and the effectiveness of machine vision depends not only on hardware but also on software. Regarding developments for Ukraine, it became known in June of this year that Ukraine received the universal machine vision Skynode S for drones from the American company Auterion.
Read more: Anduril's Bolt FPV Drone With Machine Vision: Promising Concept, Wrong Approach
