US Awards $50M Contract to Swiss Firm for AI Drone Kits in Ukraine
The Pentagon has contracted Auterion, a Swiss defense software firm, to supply 33,000 AI-powered strike kits to Ukraine for $50 million. These kits convert commercial drones into autonomous weapons, with deliveries expected by year-end. The technology is platform-agnostic, compatible with any drone type.
Ukraine's recent large-scale drone attacks on Russian targets highlight the evolving role of commercial drones in modern warfare. Daniel Gerstein of RAND Corporation notes a tactical shift toward AI-guided drones in contested zones, reducing reliance on remote operators and accelerating innovation in countermeasures.
The move underscores the growing intersection of AI and defense systems, though no direct cryptocurrency implications are evident in this development.