UK tests swarm of autonomous AI-powered drones

British defence companies have developed and tested a swarm of eight autonomous drones powered by artificial intelligence in just four months, capable of coordinating to detect and neutralise targets.

The trials were conducted in Wales, and the technology is now being considered for adoption by the UK armed forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Telegraph.

During the tests, the eight quadcopters operated as a single system: two drones carried out reconnaissance by scanning the terrain.

In contrast, the others tracked simulated targets representing a column of armoured vehicles.

Once the objects were identified, the system received authorisation from a human operator and carried out a simulated strike.

Despite the high level of autonomy, officials emphasised that the final decision to use force remains with a human.

Developers insist that while AI can identify and track targets, only a human operator can make the ultimate decision to engage.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov