Ukraine Should Attack Logistics with It’s Coming AI Drones

Ukraine should use AI controlled drones to attack Soviet logistics before using them against immediate battlefield targets. Targets should include railroad engines, specific rail car types, rail support systems, and rail facilities. Equipping some drones with infrared detectors can significantly increase the overall effectiveness these weapon systems will have. It will be easier and more lucrative to train drones to attack trains than other targets. 

 

A theoretical mission plan might go like this:

·      Define a target area and perhaps an evasive approach strategy — A specific length of track

·      Define rail and road priorities: engines, tank cars, rolling-stock, fuel trucks, other trucks 

·      Specify a fixed target if the drone does not find a priority target; a specific switch for example

 

Recently, Paul of Combatvetnews.com (sorry, the link does not work from here; please copy and paste) and YouTube posted two videos about the advanced state of development by Ukraine of AI Drones. Reuters recently reported on Ukrainian AI Drones (https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ukraine-rushes-create-ai-enabled-war-drones-2024-07-18/ ) as well. Both sources noted that AI drones can learn to attack without having radio contact with an operator. That eliminates the ability to disrupt drones with current jammers. Importantly, both sources stated concerns about attacking either friendly targets or civilian targets. Attacking distant logistical targets significantly mitigates both issues.

A case can exists for Ukraine to legally attack any truck or train on the on the Kerch Bridge System. If necessary, Ukraine can declare any traffic on the Kerch Truck Bridge System as a military target. OK. Teach the drones not to attack school buses. In addition, drones can safely attack trains, military trucks, and even “civilian” trucks in specific locations other than the Kerch Bridge System, such as deep in enemy-held Zaporizhzhia. The targets summarized here carry almost no risk of violating international law; and they constitute extremely “High Value Targets”—much more valuable than pecking away at individual tanks on battlefields. Imagine the impact of destroying, or better, derailing an engine on the Kerch Bridge. That could disrupt traffic for days.

 

Reports from Ukraine often mention the higher dependence the Russian armed forces place on trains versus trucks for logistical support than do NATO nations. During the Second World War, trains and trucks were high priority targets for fighter planes returning from escort missions and those on “fighter sweeps”.  They can prove equally valuable today in Ukraine.

 

As. I see it, Ukraine should Prioritize: 

·      Any vehicle bigger than a car on the Kerch Bridge—except school buses of course

·      Train engines

·      Rail Tank cars

·      Other rolling stock

·      Rail facilities and support equipment; examples: switches, round houses, and anything in between

·      Other targets: Trucks on roads, especially fuel trucks

 

The Kerch “Bridge” 

Normally referenced in the singular, the system consists of two adjacent bridges: a truck bridge and a railroad bridge. I do not know how many tracks the rail bridge has.

 

Conclusion

A strategy of attacking logistical targets with AI drones could hasten the expulsion of Soviet troops from Ukraine while minimizing the risk of violating any international laws.