New war strategy: How Ukraine is using AI drones to target Russia's logistics network

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, the fights are becoming more complex and fought far beyond the frontlines. Ukraine forces are adopting new techniques to gain upper hand on Russian forces. Rather than focusing only on Russian troops and armored formations, Ukrainian forces are targeting Russian logistics network.

Kyiv has launched a “Mid-range strike campaign”, using AI-enabled kamikaze drones to target Russian fuel tankers, cargo trucks, railcars and other supply assets in the Russian controlled territory.



The campaign is already having a devastating effect on Russian logistics by cutting key supply routes to Crimea.


"The reason why we are currently conducting this campaign is to hunt enemy logistics capabilities," an Unmanned Systems Department Officer of the First Corps Azov of Ukraine's National Guard told The War Zone in an exclusive interview.

"The overall sense of this campaign is to strike enemy concentrations of cargo in the places where this concentration is the highest and the protection of those enemy logistical assets is at the lowest level.” he further added.

Ukrainian forces are using a combination of modified commercial-style drones and artificial intelligence to execute their operations. Integrating upgraded communication systems, propulsion improvements and satellite connectivity with kamikaze drones such as Hornet and Darts, Ukrainian forces are significantly extending their operational reach.


Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in making these long-range attacks possible. "The AI is used for the so-called last-mile system. I'm talking about the terminal guidance here, and also the AI can be used to identify the targets, especially when the drone is flying in the autonomous mode," said the Azov officer.

Ukrainian units are using Starlink satellite communication systems, alongside other undisclosed communication solution, enabling the drones to operate far beyond their original tactical range.

The growing attacks on Russian logistics and supply network, forced them to rapidly deploy countermeasures. Russians are deploying anti-drone nets deep inside occupied territories, establishing observation posts and even stationing personnel armed with shotguns to intercept incoming drones.

Mid-range strike campaign offers an insight into the future of warfare, where relatively inexpensive drones, enhanced with artificial intelligence can threaten crucial military infrastructure far beyond the frontlines.

As drones, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the battlefield dynamics, future wars will be heavily depended on the adaptability of innovation by forces around the world.