Russia continues to upgrade its Shahed-136 drones, reportedly adding 4G modems and video cameras. However, new claims that the Kremlin is using artificial intelligence (AI) and Telegram bots to control the drones mid-flight have been met with strong skepticism.
According to Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express, the AI claims appear to be false.
The Economist outlet recently cited unnamed sources from a Ukrainian research lab, stating that the latest Shahed models “no longer rely on GPS” and are now “guided by artificial intelligence” using Ukraine’s mobile networks.
A report even claimed that a Russian engineer had left a note inside a Shahed drone, warning that Telegram was used to control it and transmit live video back to operators in Russia.
Ukrainian officials and military personnel, however, say the story doesn’t hold up.
On Monday, Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, mocked the claims:
“The story about ‘notes in Shaheds’ and control via Telegram bots is certainly something.”
Junior Sergeant Stanislav Bunyatov of the 24th Aidar Assault Battalion also ridiculed the theory:
“A fairy tale from the series: This is all because of your computers and video games.”
Defense Express reported that combining “artificial intelligence,” 4G modems, Telegram, and video transmission into one functional system is implausible with current Shahed capabilities. The publication says that such a mix of technologies “does not come together into one logical and consistent whole.”
While it’s true that Russia has been using 4G modems and video cameras in Shaheds – a development reported as early as November 2023 and March 2024, respectively – these do not amount to the integration of AI.
Another drone type, such as the Lancet, may have limited autonomous capabilities, but it is not a Shahed. Shahed drones remain basic long-range munitions relying on satellite navigation.
Defense Express cited its unnamed sources as saying there is no indication that AI is currently being used in any version of the Shahed-136.
“Which, of course, does not exclude the possibility that the enemy could move in this direction in the future,” the publication added.
Serhii Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian military communications and electronic warfare expert known by the handle “Flash,” also debunked the AI rumors.
He said Shaheds still fly using satellite navigation, and electronic warfare systems continue to interfere with them.
“Shaheds, as before, fly based on satellite navigation signals, and electronic warfare affects them. No one has ever found a single note from Alabuga from ‘friends of engineers from the Russian Federation,’” he wrote via Telegram.
That said, Beskrestnov confirmed that some drones include trackers transmitting location and flight data – including altitude and speed – via Telegram bots using mobile SIM cards.
“These SIM cards can be Russian, Ukrainian, or from other countries. We find hundreds, if not thousands, of these in the wreckage,” he wrote. “But they do not allow remote control of the drone in flight – the functionality simply isn’t there.”
“Understanding all this, we do not allow the Shahed to operate through our mobile networks,” he added.