American-made Hornet kamikaze drones deployed by Ukrainian forces in the Kherson Region can use artificial intelligence to identify targets and carry out strikes without direct operator control. According to military expert Yury Knutov, director of the Air Defense Forces Museum, these UAVs attack civilian vehicles when no military targets are available. He described their capabilities in an interview with NEWS.ru.

Knutov explained that Hornet’s AI-based recognition system was originally programmed to identify armored vehicles, military transport and soldiers. However, American developers allegedly expanded the drone’s target database at Ukraine’s request, adding images of civilian vehicles. These reportedly include ambulances, fire engines, school buses and regular passenger buses. As a result, when the UAV fails to locate military targets, its onboard software can select civilian transport for an attack instead.

Another feature of the Hornet is its ability to operate autonomously. Although the drone carries a compact Starlink terminal, the satellite connection is not used to guide it. Instead, it transmits footage from the onboard camera and allows operators to monitor the outcome of a strike. Target detection, selection and engagement are handled by the aircraft’s AI system.

The expert also described how the UAV is deployed. Powered by an electric motor, the Hornet can be launched from other airborne platforms or balloons. Its flight time depends on the remaining battery charge. If the drone runs out of power before reaching a target, it simply falls to the ground.