'Like Skynet': Czech drones powered by AI are being deployed in Ukraine

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Czech-made drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) have become a new asset for the Ukrainian military. Developed by Prague-based company LPP Holding, these drones operate autonomously without requiring continuous operator control or GPS signals.

The drones, which can fly at speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour and cover distances of up to 1,000 kilometers, carry preprogrammed mission data including target locations and no-fly zones. Because of the autonomous operation, they are able to function effectively even in heavily jammed electronic environments.

Onboard AI analyzes real-time video and images from cameras to guide the drones to their targets with precision, marking a shift toward increasingly autonomous unmanned systems on the battlefield.

LPP Holding’s AI drones distinguish themselves by their ability to navigate and execute missions without reliance on traditional communication links that are vulnerable to jamming or disruption.

“Unlike conventional drones that need a data or radio connection, our drones fly completely autonomously and do not require GPS,” explains Martina Tauberová, director of external relations at LPP Holding. This capability is crucial in electronic warfare zones where GPS signals and radio frequencies are often disrupted.

The drones use a combination of visual navigation systems, barometric data, and comparison of offline satellite maps with live video feeds to maintain situational awareness.

This AI-driven approach allows the drones to make rapid, autonomous decisions on the battlefield, a process described by former Czech ambassador to NATO Jakub Landovský as akin to the fictional Skynet system from the Terminator films.

"It’s certainly very interesting, but at the same time, what’s missing from the system is the human element in decision-making." Landovský told Czech Television. "It’s something like Skynet from the Terminator films—these are truly autonomous systems."

LPP Holding has developed three models of the MTS drone family, each suited for different operational needs. The MTS05 is a compact tactical drone designed for short-range missions up to several dozen kilometers.

The MTS25 features a larger frame with an internal combustion engine, extending its range to hundreds of kilometers. The most powerful model, the MTS40, can carry a warhead weighing up to 12 kilograms, enabling more impactful strike capabilities.

The company’s production capacity currently stands at about 50 units per month, with plans to scale up as demand grows. In addition to aerial drones, LPP Holding is also developing AI-powered ground drones such as the Hornet, which uses lidar sensors to map and navigate complex terrains autonomously.

Experts see the integration of AI and autonomy in drones as a growing trend in military technology. The Czech military itself is beginning to train personnel in operating such unmanned systems, recognizing their increasing importance on modern battlefields.

“The price of a suicide drone is much lower than that of a trained soldier,” Landovský notes.