Ukrainian drone pilots look to AI for battlefield edge

An investigator looks through the window of an apartment building damaged during an overnight Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 14, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Ukrainian drone pilot Mex recalled attacking a recent high-value target - and how the 20-kilometre strike on what appeared to be a Russian tank would have been impossible without the help of an AI-assisted targeting system.

"Without the additional guidance, we simply could not hit it," said the 31-year-old from Ukraine's 58th Separate Rifle Brigade, using his military call sign. "Absolutely no way."