Sergey Flesh: The Economist got it wrong - Chessmen do not have AI and are not controlled via Telegram

In response to an article by The Economist about the alleged use of artificial intelligence and control of Shahed drones via Telegram, Ukrainian military radio communications specialist Serhiy "Flash" Beskresny denied the allegations.

Context.

An article by The Economist claims that Russian Shahed drones can send video and coordinates through Ukrainian mobile networks during flight, using Telegram as a communication channel. The publication suggests that this allows operators to see in real time where the drone is flying and even adjust its route, as if the Shahed were a smart platform with artificial intelligence.

The publication comes after Russia launched one of the largest air attacks on Ukraine on 25 May 2024, firing 298 drones and 69 missiles, which is likely a record. These actions are aimed at overloading the Ukrainian air defence system, which is forced to save resources.

What the expert refutes

According to Sergei "Flash", Shahed missiles do not have the ability to be remotely controlled via Telegram and do not transmit live video via Ukrainian mobile networks. They are not equipped with artificial intelligence and continue to use satellite navigation, which is affected by electronic warfare.

Quote:

"A tracker is installed on Shaheds, which sends information about Shahed's location and flight data (speed, altitude). Readings are sent via telegram bot. Mobile networks and sim cards are used for sending. Sim cards can be Russian, Ukrainian and other countries. We find hundreds if not thousands of these modems and SIM cards in the wreckage. We, realizing all this, do not allow the Shaheds to work through our mobile networks.".

'We are aware of all this and do not allow the Shahed to operate through our mobile networks.

"Once again, Shaheds are not remotely controlled, they have no such functionality, they are just trying to transmit their location.".

In fact, the drones are equipped with trackers that transmit location and flight data via Telegram bots using SIM cards from different countries, including Ukrainian ones. However, these actions are not a sign of remote control, but merely an attempt to transmit information about the flight route.

Ukrainian experts are taking measures to prevent enemy drones from using Ukrainian mobile networks for data transmission. Thus, the allegations about "smart" drones with AI and control via Telegram are not true.

"It's a pity that a reputable publication writes incorrect information," the Ukrainian expert concluded his post.

Source: Sergey Flash