Pentagon Turns to AI for Faster Drone Detection and Targeting

The U.S. Department of Defense is betting on artificial intelligence to speed up the hunt for enemy drones. According to Defense News, the Pentagon is seeking automated targeting systems under a new initiative called the C-UAS Close-In Kinetic Defeat Enhancement program. The goal is to outpace human reaction times using AI and machine vision to identify and lock onto threats.

Proposals are due by May 15. The first phase focuses on upgrading remote-operated weapon stations, particularly the CROWS system mounted on armored vehicles. These AI-enhanced modules must autonomously detect small drones weighing under 25 kilograms at distances greater than 600 meters, with an effective engagement range of at least 100 meters.

Phase two will extend the capability to mobile naval and ground platforms, while phase three aims to develop an anti-drone aiming system for small arms. In January, design bureau Tallamkho reported testing an AI-based control unit for self-aiming turrets, signaling broader momentum in this niche of defense tech.

Source: Lenta.RU