[Ukrainian forces have deployed over 10,000 "Hornet" drones in the past three months; the manufacturer behind them is no ordinary company]

Jane's Defence confirms that Ukrainian forces have launched over 10,000 American-made AI-powered medium-range "Hornet" drones in the past three months. This drone has a range exceeding 200 kilometers; most munitions rely on artificial intelligence for autonomous targeting, while critical high-value targets retain a manual override mode for final control.

The drone is manufactured by Perennial Autonomy, a U.S.-based private AI defense technology startup founded with investment from Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google.

Previously known as White Stork → Project Eagle, the company officially rebranded to its current name in 2026. Its team comprises talent from Google, SpaceX, Apple, and heavily recruits Ukrainian engineers into R&D. The product has undergone real combat validation directly on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield. In May 2026, it secured a $500 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense, establishing itself as a core manufacturer in the low-cost intelligent drone sector.

Perennial Autonomy currently operates three main drone product lines:

1. "Hornet" Medium-Range Loitering Attack Drone

With a combat range of approximately 200 km, it features AI-driven optical autonomous guidance, capable of independently identifying and striking targets even when GPS signals are electronically jammed. It supports pre-programmed silent flight paths, and high-value targets can be manually corrected at the terminal phase. In the past three months, Ukraine has deployed more than 10,000 units, primarily used to attack fuel depots, military airfields, and logistics convoys.

2. "Merops" (AS-3 Surveyor) Anti-Drone Intercept Drone

A low-cost suicide interceptor drone priced at around $15,000, specifically designed to counter Russian "Geranium" series drones. Ukrainian combat records show successful interceptions of over 4,000 Russian drones, and the product is now being supplied to multiple NATO countries.

3. "Bumblebee" FPV Racing Drone

A small, short-range, four-axis attack drone ideal for frontline close-combat operations.

Perennial Autonomy’s equipment is delivered directly to Ukraine via commercial contracts, not through official U.S. government military aid channels. Products are first tested under real battlefield conditions in Ukraine before being mass-produced and exported to the U.S. military and NATO nations, pioneering a new defense industry model: “battlefield validation → Western procurement”.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875636605081664/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.