Ukrainian autonomous AI drones killed soldiers in combat test
Ukrainian drone developer Alexander Kokhanovskyy reportedly claimed that ten autonomous AI-controlled drones killed Russian soldiers in a battlefield test conducted two years earlier near Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, operating without human oversight or control. The account is the first detailed assertion of fatalities caused exclusively by autonomous AI weapons in combat, though the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has not confirmed the incident.", <parameter name="event_date">2024
What happened
Ten autonomous 'Terminator' quadcopter drones were launched from Ukraine toward the front line and activated autonomous targeting function during a test conducted two years prior, according to Alexander Kokhanovskyy, a Ukrainian drone developer, speaking at an event hosted by the Ukrainian embassy to New Scientist.
The drones flew between 3 and 5 kilometres to a specific area without human contact or control, programmed to operate autonomously in what was called 'Terminator mode,' in which an AI model searched for and engaged targets. Kokhanovskyy stated: 'We just launch it and know that everything will be dead – whatever is found there, in that specific area, will be dead. There is no connection to the drone whatsoever, you cannot see video, nothing… whatever it sees will be killed.'
Remotely piloted drones sent to the same area after the test to verify results confirmed the presence of casualties, including 'some soldiers and a truck,' according to Kokhanovskyy. The test was conducted by a military unit he did not name near the cities of Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar. Kokhanovskyy stated he was not present at the test himself.
Reported impact
According to Kokhanovskyy's account, Russian soldiers and a vehicle were killed as a result of the autonomous drone operation. The exact number of fatalities was not specified beyond reference to 'some soldiers.'
Index analysis
Kokhanovskyy stated that use of autonomous systems in the final stages of target neutralization remains prohibited by the Ukrainian government, though he expressed support for autonomous weapons and indicated Kyiv was in contact with defence system companies.
Governance controls
The Ukrainian government prohibits the use of autonomous systems in the final stages of target neutralization, according to sources from the defence industry speaking at the same event.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.