Russia Testing AI Drone Built on Nvidia Technology
Ukrainian Major General Vladyslav Klochkov warns that Russia is field-testing a new AI-powered combat drone, the MS001, which can autonomously identify and strike high-value targets using thermal vision and onboard decision-making—even under GPS jamming or evasive maneuvers. Unlike traditional loitering munitions, the MS001 acts as a “digital predator”, capable of operating in swarms and resisting Ukraine’s electronic countermeasures.
Key components include:
- Nvidia Jetson Orin (AI and vision processing)
- Thermal imager (night/low-visibility targeting)
- Nasir GPS with CRPA antenna (spoof-resistant navigation)
- FPGA chips (adaptive onboard logic)
- Radio modem (swarm coordination and telemetry)
Klochkov criticizes Ukraine’s slow procurement and innovation cycle, urging faster development of homegrown assault drones in response.
The use of Western components—especially Nvidia’s AI modules—in these drones highlights gaps in tech export enforcement, despite sanctions. Nvidia insists its Jetson products aren’t sold to Russia or intended for military use, but notes they’re widely available to consumers and developers.
This follows a broader trend: other Russian drones like the V2U, reportedly also use Jetson Orin and Chinese-made components, indicating increased reliance on global tech in advanced warfare systems.