Ukrainian forces use AI-guided drones and converted aircraft in military operations
The Ukrainian military reportedly deploys AI-guided drones and converted pilotless aircraft in operations against Russian military and industrial targets. The Goronych program converts light planes into automated long-range missiles, and has struck facilities in Russia including an explosives factory and a manufacturing plant.
What happened
The Ukrainian military has deployed AI-guided drones and converted aircraft in operations against Russian targets. A program called Goronych, created by an aviation enthusiast with the same call-sign, converts single-seater light planes into pilotless long-range missiles by replacing the pilot's seat with additional fuel tanks and batteries that power navigation and communication systems.
According to the Ukrainian military, Goronych operatives integrated into the 14th regiment of Ukraine's special operations forces conducted attacks on military industrial targets in Russia, including an explosives factory in Dzerzhinsk in October 2025 and a mechanical plant in Saransk that manufactures detonators and mines.
Reported impact
A large fire was reported at the explosives factory in Dzerzhinsk after a Goronych aircraft reached its target approximately 230 miles east of Moscow. An apartment in a Moscow suburb was damaged by a Ukrainian drone on Friday morning in October 2025.
Index analysis
Both Ukrainian and Russian militaries are exploiting AI, robotics and unmanned systems at high tempo in the conflict. The use of converted light aircraft with automated navigation systems represents a deployment of autonomous weapons technology in active combat operations.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.