Russian conscript soldiers live on the battlefield for an average of only 20-30 minutes due to Ukrainian AI-powered attack drones, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said on Wednesday, UNN reports citing Bloomberg.
Our intelligence data is consistent with some open-source reports you may have seen in Ukraine: the average life expectancy of a Russian conscript currently arriving on the battlefield in Ukraine is estimated at 20 to 30 minutes
"This is because AI-based drones have become such specialized and inexpensive killing machines," he added.
Although Russia has a significant manpower advantage over the smaller Ukraine, Kyiv limits Moscow's advances partly through innovations with various attack drones, the publication notes.
U.S. officials have suggested that Russia loses about 7,000 soldiers per week. And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over 80% of "enemy targets" are destroyed by drones.
Ratcliffe's remarks came as Washington and its allies consider new funding for Ukrainian drone programs and seek access to the technologies underlying AI-based systems, the publication writes.
Ukraine produces 10 million drones per year, plans to double volumes - President15.07.26, 14:57