The Czech company LPP Holding has tested its MTS family of attack drones in Ukraine. These drones are equipped with an artificial intelligence-based guidance and navigation system.
The Czech news outlet E15 reported that these drones have been used in combat by Ukraine’s Defense Forces for several months.
LPP’s main innovation is that the drones can operate without human control. They work even when electronic warfare tries to block signals. This is possible because of artificial intelligence. The AI helps the drones recognize targets and navigate using map data, without needing GPS.
Jakub Landovský, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Central Europe, praised the drones’ performance. He explained that their main problem is communication with the operator. However, this can be solved by improving connection methods, like using optical fiber, or by making the drones fully autonomous. Landovský confirmed that AI is the right solution for these challenges.
LPP developed the system in less than a year. The company currently produces about 50 drones per month and plans to increase this number in the future.
The MTS drone family includes three models. The MTS05 is a small tactical drone designed for missions within several dozen kilometers. The MTS25 is a larger drone with an internal combustion engine, capable of flying hundreds of kilometers.
The most powerful model is the MTS40. It can carry a warhead weighing up to 12 kilograms.
LPP will showcase its AI-controlled drones at the IDET trade fair in Brno this May. The company will also present the Hornet, a ground drone powered by artificial intelligence. The Hornet uses a lidar sensor to detect and navigate the surrounding terrain.
