# Small AI models let drones autonomously identify and attack battlefield targets

https://mins.news/en/item/63673

- Ars Technica, 2026-09-17 22:12 UTC
- Tech
- Original: https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/09/nato-backed-startup-adapts-ai-for-autonomous-drone-recon-and-attack-missions/

> As European militaries adapt to AI and drones in modern warfare, NATO-backed startup Scaleout Systems is helping deploy target-detection and selection models that run on small drones for surveillance and attack missions. Founded by Uppsala University researchers in 2018, the company pivoted to defense applications after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.