UK tests AI-powered drones to detect landmines, explosive threats

The United Kingdom said on Tuesday it has successfully tested AI-powered drones that detect landmines and explosive ordnance, aiming to improve battlefield safety and efficiency for troops.

The trial, led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory on behalf of the British Army, enabled bomb disposal teams to locate threats more quickly using data gathered by unmanned aerial systems.

Conducted with the army's 33 Engineer Regiment at a base in Essex, the exercise involved placing dozens of replica mines and munitions across different terrains. Sensors mounted on small drones transmitted data to operators, who used artificial intelligence tools to identify and classify the threats.

The trial also showed that AI systems can be quickly retrained to detect new types of explosives and adapt to changing environments, a capability seen as critical in modern conflicts, such as in Ukraine, where evolving battlefield conditions have increased reliance on drones and improvised weapons.

UK Defense Minister Luke Pollard said the project reflects efforts to integrate advanced technologies into military operations.

"This trial is exactly the kind of innovation the Strategic Defence Review calls for -- harnessing AI, drones and autonomous systems to boost deterrence and make our Armed Forces stronger.

"We're on a mission to exploit new technologies, removing our people from harm's way while increasing the speed and effectiveness of their operations. This is defense innovation working at wartime pace, and it is delivering exciting results," the minister said.

Officials say the technology combines AI, robotics, and advanced sensors to reduce risks to personnel while improving operational speed. Further trials are planned later this year to refine the system and support its potential deployment in the field.

The initiative forms part of a broader push by the UK government to expand investment in autonomous military systems and modernize defense capabilities in response to evolving global threats.