AI-Controlled 50-Cal Turrets Are Becoming a Reality in Ukraine’s Drone Defense

Turrets target drones over Kyiv

Ukraine has deployed machine gun turrets controlled by artificial intelligence, with the weapons described mainly as air defenses against Russian drones. Brave1 said the systems destroyed dozens of enemy drones over Kyiv in the past month.

Brave1 said work on the weapons began in 2024 as an experiment. More than a dozen systems are deployed in the Kyiv area, and eight additional units are planned, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in early October.

Ukraine seeks faster production

Zelenskyy called for faster progress on orders, organization, financing and production. He said Ukraine was increasing orders for the systems.

Capabilities remain partly unknown

Public information about the systems’ range and software is limited. A Ukrainian commander told Business Insider’s Jake Epstein last summer that each turret costs about $150,000 and can distinguish between birds and drones.

The commander also said a human operator must authorize each shot. The turrets have limited range, making them better suited to final defense against drones or other low-flying targets.

Jet-powered threats challenge defenses

In early October, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said AI-powered turrets had shot down Russian jet-powered drones for the first time. He did not identify the system involved.

Brave1 also released footage showing several turret designs. The Kremlin has been increasing production and deployment of inexpensive cruise missiles and drones with turbojet engines, which fly at nearly half the speed of sound and are launched by the thousands each month, posing a major challenge for Ukrainian air defenses.