Fragments of a Russian Lancet loitering munition discovered on the Maidan in central Kiev may indicate the drone was equipped with elements of artificial intelligence and a mesh modem, according to the Telegram channel Voyna Istoriya Oruzhie.

Earlier, Ukrainian sources released photographs of debris from the UAV that struck the Independence Monument. The images show green and orange circular markings on the drone’s wings. Analysts from the Telegram channel suggested that such markings could point to the use of artificial intelligence systems designed to guide the drone and coordinate its actions as part of a swarm.

Attention was also drawn to the drone’s apparent flight range, which allowed it to reach Kiev. Based on this detail, the publication’s author proposed that the Lancet might have been fitted with a mesh modem.

This technology creates a network in which individual drone modems act simultaneously as transmitters and relays. In flight, the UAVs form a communication chain that can automatically reroute data through alternative paths if one element of the network fails.

Earlier, on January 19, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport reported that since the beginning of the special military operation, Lancet loitering munitions had destroyed more than 4,000 pieces of Ukrainian military equipment.