Ukraine Deploys Over 10,000 Hornet Loitering Munitions in Recent Strikes

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Ukraine Deploys Over 10,000 Hornet Loitering Munitions in Recent Strikes

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In the past three months, the Ukrainian military has reportedly deployed more than 10,000 Hornet loitering munitions in strikes against targets inside Russia. This information was confirmed by a defense source on September 2, 2026. The Hornet loitering munition is designed for mid-range strikes, boasting a range of over 200 km. A key feature of the Hornet is its AI-enabled optical tracking system, which allows for autonomous detection, tracking, and engagement of targets. The majority of these strikes utilized this AI guidance and targeting system.

The AI guidance and targeting system was developed by the American company Perennial Autonomy, which also manufactures the loitering munition. Perennial Autonomy was previously known as Project Eagle, a name it adopted after initially being founded as White Stork in 2023. The company’s founder is Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google. Perennial Autonomy also produces other unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Bumblebee UAV and the Merops Counter-UAV system. Russia has independently corroborated Ukraine’s use of autonomously guided UAVs for strikes within its territory, with a source in Russia’s security and intelligence apparatus stating on September 2, 2026, that most drones fly autonomously along pre-programmed routes, though some targeting high-value objectives remain under active control.

The Hornet drone is described as a one-way attack drone, or “kamikaze drone,” designed to identify and strike a designated target without returning to its operator. It is launched and detonates on impact, offering a low-cost alternative to conventional mortar ammunition with higher precision. The drone can approach targets from multiple directions at low altitude, making detection and response more challenging for adversaries. The U.S. Army has also been accelerating the integration of Hornet drones into its operations, with training exercises conducted in Poland in May 2026. The Hornet can carry various warheads, with a maximum payload of approximately 4.5 kg.

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