tech
April 14, 2026
US losing AI drone race to China and Russia
The US has fallen behind China and Russia on the development of advanced attack drones using AI technology, the New York Times has reported, citing unnamed US defense and intelligence officials
TL;DR
- The US is reportedly lagging behind Russia and China in the development of AI-powered drones.
- These advanced drones are capable of identifying and striking targets autonomously.
- China's military parade showcased autonomous drones, leading the Pentagon to believe they are ahead.
- Russia is also thought to be ahead in advanced drone production and testing in Ukraine.
- China's 'civil-military fusion' and manufacturing scale give it an advantage.
- Examples include China's Jiutian drone and Russia's Lancet loitering munition with autonomous targeting.
- The Pentagon's procurement system is considered inefficient and slow to adapt.
- US defense contractors have struggled to produce small, inexpensive drones, focusing instead on larger systems.
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