Ukrainian military debuts AI-powered GOGOL-M drones against Russian targets

Forbes reported the information.

According to Forbes, StratForce’s reusable GOGOL-M mothership deploys two FPV attack drones to precisely strike vulnerable targets up to 300 km away.

“A $10,000 mission replaces what previously required $3-$5 million missile systems,” CTO Andrii (surname withheld) says.

He emphasizes they can’t yet share verifiable attack footage, but this work builds on earlier Ukrainian drone motherships and AI-targeted FPVs. It resembles the Pentagon’s autonomous long-range system and China’s CGI swarm mothership.

“By pairing them [small FPV type drones] with AI mothership drones, we can guarantee precision strikes,” says Andrii.

Andrii recalls that as a boy, seeing a woman inspecting railway tracks far from town made him think the tedious task should be done by a robot.

Years later, Andrii developed drones for automated infrastructure inspection - smart drones that spot issues, capture detailed images, and upload exact locations for maintenance decisions. After Russia’s 2022 invasion, he shifted his AI drone project to focus on Ukraine’s defense.

StratForce’s key product, SmartPilot, combines advanced sensors and AI, building on its infrastructure inspection roots. Unlike others using basic cameras, it demands high-precision technology.

“In some ways it is like a self-driving car,” says Andrii. “In order for the autopilot to work properly they need a lot of cameras. There are not so many obstacles in the air, but we he system as to be lightweight. That’s how we arrived at our system of cameras, LIDAR and communication to allow the AI to navigate, coordinate and maneuver around obstacles.”

LIDAR creates a 3D map of the surroundings, functioning in all lighting and weather conditions. SmartPilot’s AI then integrates data from multiple sensors for precise operation.

“Smart Pilot uses a multi-sensor fusion approach, combining data for environment perception and target recognition,” says Andrii.

This 3D map lets the AI make decisions, plan flight paths, and complete missions just like a human pilot.

Andrii explained that developing SmartPilot was challenging because it had to mimic a pilot’s remote control in real time, maneuvering around obstacles despite processor limits. He said the system can autonomously navigate to targets and engage them without GPS or constant operator input.

Attack mission

Typically, the 20-foot wingspan GOGOL-M mothership flies to the target area and releases two FPV drones, each equipped with a lightweight SmartPilot. The mothership returns while the drones locate, identify, and strike predefined targets like air bases, missile sites, or air defenses. Andrii adds the system is also effective against critical infrastructure such as oil storage, power grids, and railways.

Unlike single-warhead drones like the Shahed, the mothership can strike multiple targets and return for reuse. SmartPilot also allows attacks on moving targets, not just static ones.

“It supports ambush missions, landing and waiting for targets, and autonomous search in real time,” says Andrii.

The drones can land and wait at airbases for aircraft to appear or lie in wait along convoy routes to launch autonomous attacks - tactics already in common use.

Andrii says StatForce can currently produce 50 GOLGOL-M mothership drones per month and 400 of the FPV type attack drones, but this will depend on getting contracts from the military.

StratForce’s key advantage is its software, which works with drones of any size or type - from large jet-powered motherships to robot boats or tanks carrying drones. The important first step - long-range delivery of multiple autonomous attack drones - has been achieved. While its effectiveness and limits are still unclear, it will likely pose serious challenges to Russia soon.