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"This technology represents our coming danger," cautions a defense consultant, who has just obtained a recently captured Russian drone.

It was no ordinary device as well, he discovered. Powered by AI, this unmanned aerial vehicle is able to find and attack targets on its own.

The consultant has inspected many unmanned systems in his role as Ukrainian defence forces consultant.

Unlike other models, the drone did not transmit or receive communications, so could not be jammed.

Both sides' militaries have both been testing AI in the conflict, and in some areas they are already deploying it, to assist in target identification, gathering intelligence and clearing mines.

And for the Ukrainian army, AI has become essential.

"Our armed forces receives more than 50,000 video streams [from the front line] monthly which are analysed by artificial intelligence," says the deputy defence minister.

"It helps us quickly process this massive data, pinpoint objectives and mark them on a map."

AI-Driven Technology as a Strategic Tool

AI-empowered tech is seen as a instrument that improves strategic planning, make the most of resources and ultimately save lives.

But when it comes to autonomous armaments, it is also transforming the warzone.

The country's troops already use AI-based systems enabling unmanned aircraft lock on a target and then fly autonomously for the last few hundred metres until the mission concludes.

Signal disruption is impossible and destroying such a tiny airborne device is not easy.

Ultimately such technologies are expected to evolve into completely independent armaments that can find and eliminate objectives by themselves.

An operator must do is tap a icon on a smartphone app, explains a tech executive, head of Ukrainian tech company.

The drone handles the rest, according to him, finding the target, releasing explosives, evaluating the impact and then returning to headquarters.

"It doesn't demand flight experience from the user," he adds.

Interceptor Systems and Upcoming Advancements

Defensive unmanned craft with that kind of autonomous capability might significantly strengthen defensive systems against Russian remote strike aircraft, such as the notorious certain models.

"An AI-driven self-operating unit can be better than a person in so many ways," says the executive. "It is more perceptive. It detects the objective faster than a human can. It can be more agile."

The deputy defence minister indicates such a system is not yet available, but he suggests Ukraine is close to completing its creation. "They've partly implemented it in certain equipment," states the deputy defence minister.

It's possible there will be many thousands of these technologies in place by the year 2026, predicts the developer.

Cautions and Risks of Full Independence

However Ukrainian developers are wary of fully making use of defence systems that rely entirely on AI, with no human involvement. The risk is AI may fail to differentiate a Ukrainian fighter from a hostile one, as they may be wearing the same uniform, says an engineer, who declined to give his surname.

His company makes remote-operated automatic weapons, that employ artificial intelligence to automatically detect people and follow them. Because of worries about friendly fire, he says they don't have an automatic shooting option.

"It can be activated, but we must gain further expertise and additional input from the ground forces in order to determine the safe conditions to employ this capability."

Moral Issues and International Regulations

There are also fears that AI-driven technologies could breach the rules of war. How will they prevent harming civilians, or distinguish personnel who want to surrender?

According to the official, the ultimate choice in such circumstances must be made by a human, although AI would make it "easier to decide". But there are no guarantees that states or armed groups will adhere to global humanitarian standards.

So neutralizing such technologies is increasingly critical.

How can one halt a "swarm of drones" when electronic warfare or employing aircraft, tanks or missiles is rendered ineffective?

The nation's highly successful "Web" mission, when 100 unmanned aircraft attacked Russian air bases last June, is believed to be supported by AI tools.

Many in Ukraine worry that the adversary may replicate that tactic, not just on the front line but further afield as well.

Ukraine's president cautioned the UN recently that AI was fueling "the most destructive arms race in human history."

He urged international regulations for the use of AI in weapons, and stated the matter is "just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons."