Latest Developments in AI-Guided Weapon Systems

Loitering Munitions and Switchblade Technology

The AeroVironment Switchblade family represents the most widely deployed AI-guided weapon systems today. The Switchblade 600, featuring advanced target acquisition systems and automatic guidance, has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in Ukraine, successfully destroying over $50 million worth of Russian air defense systems1. These systems can loiter for over 40 minutes with a 40-kilometer range, using AI-powered sensors to independently identify and engage armored targets2.

Ukrainian forces have leveraged these systems with devastating effect, with the Regiment of Unmanned Aerial Systems reporting successful strikes against high-value Russian targets including Buk and Tor missile systems1. The Switchblade 600's warhead delivers the same destructive power as a Javelin anti-tank missile while operating completely autonomously once launched3.

Israel's AI Targeting Systems

Israel has deployed the most advanced AI targeting infrastructure in current combat operations. The "Gospel" system automatically processes surveillance data to recommend bombing targets, capable of generating 100 targets per day compared to the 50 targets human analysts might produce in a year4. The complementary "Lavender" system uses AI algorithms to identify tens of thousands of suspected Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members for targeting, with a reported 90% accuracy rate4.

The "Where's Daddy?" system tracks targets geographically using phone data and other sensors, following individuals to their residences before strikes are authorized5. These systems collectively demonstrate how AI is accelerating the kill chain from days or weeks to seconds or milliseconds6.

1. https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukrainian-switchblade-600-drones-wipe-out-at-least-50-million-worth-of-russian-air-defenses-7301
2. https://www.avinc.com/lms/switchblade-600
3. https://www.kyivpost.com/post/41314
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI-assisted_targeting_in_the_Gaza_Strip
5. https://time.com/7202584/gaza-ukraine-ai-warfare/
6. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-warfare-what-you-need-know-2025-wes-o-donnell-kzj1c

Sweden's Advanced Swarm Capabilities

Sweden has developed one of the most sophisticated drone swarm systems, capable of coordinating up to 100 drones simultaneously through advanced AI software developed by Saab1. The system will undergo testing during the Arctic Strike 25 exercise in March 2025, with drones capable of autonomous reconnaissance, target identification, and payload delivery2.

US Replicator Program

The Pentagon's Replicator initiative aims to field "multiple thousands of attritable, autonomous systems in multiple domains" by August 20253. The program has already contracted for various unmanned platforms including the Ghost-X from Anduril Industries and C-100 from Performance Drone Works4. Seven companies have been selected to develop software for connecting these drone swarms, including Autonomous Collaborative Teaming (ACT) software to coordinate thousands of uncrewed systems5.

China's Swarm Development

Chinese military forces are developing comprehensive drone swarm capabilities for potential Taiwan invasion scenarios. The PLA is researching autonomous swarm technology with the capability to deploy drone swarms from land, sea, and air-based platforms for anti-ship and naval combat missions6. China has demonstrated massive swarm capabilities including the "Goon" mothership drone capable of deploying smaller swarms mid-flight2.

1. https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2025/01/21/drone-wars-developments-in-drone-swarm-technology/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gkx7vxe3OI
3. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/replicator-on-track-cheap-drones/
4. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2024/11/13/pentagon-announces-new-batch-of-drones-for-replicator-program/
5. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2024/11/20/pentagon-picks-programmers-to-connect-its-replicator-drone-swarms/
6. https://www.cna.org/analyses/2025/07/prc-concepts-for-uav-swarms-in-future-warfare

Autonomous HIMARS Artillery

Lockheed Martin successfully tested an autonomous M142 HIMARS launcher in April 2025, demonstrating uncrewed navigation, targeting, and firing capabilities using passive sensor technologies1. The system can operate without active emissions, significantly increasing survivability on modern battlefields. The Army envisions pairing manned HIMARS with autonomous wingman launchers for more efficient artillery operations2.

Robot Dogs with AI Weaponry

Ghost Robotics has developed the Vision 60 Quadrupedal-Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) equipped with AI-powered weapon systems. The US Army has deployed these systems to the Middle East for testing, featuring the SENTRY remote weapon system with AI-enabled digital imaging and automatic target detection and tracking3. The system maintains human-in-the-loop control for fire decisions but can autonomously detect potential targets4.

1. https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/defence-security-industry-technology/technology-lockheed-martin-tests-autonomous-himars-rocket-launcher-confirming-future-uncrewed-artillery-missions
2. https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2024/autonomous-solutions-lockheed-martin-advances-uncrewed-capability-for-combat-proven-himars.html
3. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/10/01/army-has-sent-armed-robot-dog-middle-east-testing.html
4. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/robot-dogs-armed-with-ai-targeting-rifles-undergo-us-marines-special-ops-evaluation/

Iron Dome AI Enhancements

Israel's Iron Dome has been upgraded with AI algorithms that analyze radar data to track incoming missiles and calculate optimal interception timing, achieving over 90% success rates1. The system uses machine learning to improve accuracy and efficiency while reducing operational costs2. AI enables the system to handle multiple simultaneous attacks and prioritize threats in real-time3.

Patriot System Modernization

The MIM-104 Patriot system has been enhanced with new Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense System (LTAMDS) radar featuring 360-degree coverage and AI-assisted threat detection4. The system incorporates artificial intelligence for improved target discrimination and reduced friendly fire incidents through the PDB 8 upgrade4.

1. https://becominghuman.ai/how-ai-is-improving-iron-dome-3894cd3668f9
2. https://cepa.org/article/iron-dome-shows-ais-risks-and-rewards/
3. https://technologymagazine.com/ai-and-machine-learning/telecoms-power-israels-iron-dome-amid-rising-threats
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIM-104_Patriot

AI-Powered F-16 Operations

In February 2023, Lockheed Martin announced that AI software successfully flew a modified F-16 fighter jet for 17 hours without human pilots aboard1. This represents the first instance of AI controlling a tactical aircraft, paving the way for sixth-generation fighter development where AI algorithms maintain primary control1.

European Fighter AI Integration

BAE Systems is testing the "Rattlesnake" AI system for the Eurofighter Typhoon, providing real-time decision-making support to help pilots dodge missiles and make split-second tactical decisions2. The system offers verifiable AI recommendations backed by traditional simulations, providing cumulative threat assessments of multiple missile systems2.

1. https://www.cigionline.org/articles/ai-guided-weapons-must-be-curbed-by-global-rules-and-soon/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WeA7y3j9OI

Long-Range Loitering Munitions

France's defense industry is developing the MTO-LP (Munition Télé-Opérée – Longue Portée) through collaboration between Thales and Boreal, featuring several hundred kilometers range and the ability to launch up to 10 munitions simultaneously for coordinated operations1. Initial operational capability is planned for 2026 with annual production of 1,000 warheads2.

Multi-Domain Control Systems

L3Harris is developing the AMORPHOUS (Autonomous Multidomain Operations Resiliency Platform for Heterogenous Unmanned Swarms) system designed to control thousands of autonomous systems simultaneously through a single user interface3. The technology aims to serve as an "orchestra conductor" for massive autonomous formations across land, sea, and air domains3.

1. https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/paris-air-show-2025-uav-maker-boreal-in-long-range-loitering-munitions-agreement-with-thales
2. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/thales-and-boreal-team-produce-long-range-loitering
3. https://defensescoop.com/2025/02/10/l3harris-amorphous-plan-control-thousands-autonomous-systems-simultaneously/

Testing and Evaluation Overhaul

The rapid pace of AI weapon development is forcing military organizations to completely redesign their testing procedures. Traditional testing cycles of months or years are inadequate for AI systems that may require updates in hours or days1. The Pentagon has acknowledged it is "not well postured yet" for testing AI-powered weapons that require continuous updating1.

Autonomous System Coordination

Current challenges include developing reliable command and control systems for thousands of autonomous platforms operating simultaneously. The complexity of coordinating mixed swarms of different drone types while maintaining communication in contested electromagnetic environments remains a significant technical hurdle2.

These developments demonstrate that AI-guided weapons have moved from experimental concepts to operational realities, fundamentally transforming modern warfare through increased speed, precision, and autonomous decision-making capabilities. The technology continues evolving rapidly, with major powers investing billions in development and deployment of increasingly sophisticated autonomous military systems.

1. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/military-ai-overhauling-test/
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/vikrammittal/2025/01/02/swarming-drones-will-be-on-the-russian-ukrainian-battlefield-in-2025/