New Delhi: Open-source ArduPilot software is reported to have been used by Ukraine in its recent Spider Web drone attack on Russia. A 404 Media report said that the coordinated assault hit Russian bombers on the ground at Belaya, Olenya and Ivanovo, leaving over a third of them destroyed. There were 117 drones in the attack, launched from hidden locations, and they caused major damage to a part of Russia’s strategic bomber force.
ArduPilot was first created by hobbyists in 2007 for use on model aircraft, and it has since grown into a strong platform for different types of unmanned vehicles. Since the drones had GPS-guided waypoints and auto-stabilisation, Ukraine was able to use them accurately even when dealing with delays in communication. Its role in defence forces displays that the software can be useful in many different settings, not just its initial, peaceful purpose.
Chris Anderson developed ArduPilot, and it has been improved by a worldwide group of enthusiasts to benefit hobby drone users. Gradually, it became a complete autopilot system suitable for drones, boats and rovers. The goal of the project is peace, but because it is open source, others can still change and use it in support of military attacks.
Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) officials are believed to have concealed quadcopters in Russian trucks and sheds. Video evidence reveals how the drones were placed in secret compartments and then released when someone pushed a button. The drones did not depend on Starlink’s satellites and instead used basic modems and similar boards to communicate over Russian mobile networks.
ArduPilot’s website underlines ethical values and says the project will not intentionally help with weapons development. Still, because it is open-source, anyone can use it without paying. The Ukrainian situation demonstrates how open-source technology plays a big part in today’s wars and also brings certain moral issues.
