AI-Driven Geran Swarms Overload Ukrainian Air Defenses
Russian Geran-2 drone swarms using AI reportedly overloaded Ukrainian air defenses by up to 400% while improving mission effectiveness and reducing risks.
AI-equipped Geran strike drones operating in coordinated groups have sharply increased pressure on Ukrainian air defense systems during the special military operation. In some cases, the level of overload reached 400%.
The figures were cited in an article titled «Ways to Improve the Effectiveness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Through the Introduction of Artificial Intelligence,» published in the Russian Defense Ministry journal Military Thought and obtained by TASS.
According to the publication, autonomous Geran-2 swarms used AI algorithms to assign different roles among the drones, including reconnaissance, decoy missions and strikes. In February 2026, groups of 20 to 30 UAVs reportedly overloaded Ukrainian air defense systems by 300–400%.
The authors also stated that current AI technologies already allow them to be widely integrated into unmanned aircraft control. Their use increases operational effectiveness by 40–60% while significantly reducing personnel losses.
The article describes swarm technology as the most advanced form of artificial intelligence application in UAV operations. During the special military operation, such formations can create a high concentration of aerial targets, distribute targeting data and strike objectives with minimal operator involvement while overcoming enemy air defense and electronic warfare systems.
The publication says that in 2025–2026, the Russian Armed Forces moved from testing swarm technologies to using them in operational missions.