Ukraine Drone Strike AI Trained On Soviet-Era Bombers In Museums

The Ukrainian AI systems used to guide its cataclysmic drone attack on Russia's strategic bomber force were trained by studying Soviet-era bombers stored in Ukrainian museums. 

Since Ukraine's AI needed data on visual identifying characteristics, including radar profiles, the museum bombers were adequate because Russian bombers have evolved but not changed dramatically. It is doubtful that Ukraine will pay Russia a fee for the use of that intellectual property. JL

Vlad Litnarovych reports in United24:

Ukrainian forces trained AI systems used in drone operations by studying Soviet-era bombers preserved in military museums—aircraft that mirror those struck deep inside Russian territory. AI targeting algorithms were developed using Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3 bombers on display at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation. These aircraft were used to simulate radar profiles, visual markers, and structural layouts for high-precision drone attacks.

Ukrainian forces reportedly trained artificial intelligence systems used in drone operations by studying Soviet-era bombers preserved in military museums—aircraft that mirror those now being struck deep inside Russian territory, according to Clash Report on June 1.

AI targeting algorithms were developed using Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3 bombers on display at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation.

Ukrainian Tu-22M3 on display at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation. (Source: Wikimedia)

Ukrainian Tu-160 on display at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation. (Source: Wikimedia)

Ukrainian Tu-22M3 on display at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation. (Source: Wikimedia)

Ukrainian Tu-95MS on display at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation. (Source: Wikimedia)

These aircraft were used to simulate radar profiles, visual markers, and structural layouts for high-precision drone attacks, the outlet said.

This technical innovation appears to be tied to a major strike campaign against Russian airbases that left several of Moscow’s long-range bombers damaged or destroyed.

 

According to the monitor channel Tracking, as of 4:40 p.m. local time, visual evidence from open sources reportedly confirms the following aircraft losses:

 

n 01, 2025 16:13

Olenya Air Base (Murmansk region)

• 2 Tu-95MS bombers destroyed

• 2 Tu-95MS bombers damaged

• 1 An-12 military transport aircraft destroyed

Belaya Air Base (Irkutsk region)

• 3 Tu-95MS bombers damaged

• 2 Tu-22M3 bombers damaged

Each Tu-95MS bomber is capable of launching Kh-101 nuclear-capable cruise missiles and is valued at approximately $50 million.

The Tu-22M3, a supersonic strike aircraft, plays a key role in Russia’s regional power projection. Neither aircraft is currently in full-scale production, making replacement under sanctions and wartime constraints a significant challenge for Russia’s defense industry.

Earlier, reports emerged that Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber, valued at approximately $100 million, using a drone.The bomber was reportedly taken out just moments after landing, underscoring Ukraine’s growing ability to strike high-value Russian military assets far beyond the front lines.