How Russia is Powering Their Drones with NVIDIA Chips

Russia is integrating sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into its military drones by using powerful computer chips designed by the American tech giant, NVIDIA.

LogicBolts 14 July 2025 · 5 min. read
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Russia is integrating sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into its military drones by using powerful computer chips designed by the American tech giant, NVIDIA. These chips enable Russian drones to autonomously identify and attack targets, even in environments where GPS and electronic communications are jammed.

The "Brain" of the Drones

The core of this technological upgrade lies in NVIDIA's Jetson series of modules, particularly the Jetson Orin and Jetson TX2. These compact, high-performance processors are essentially "mini supercomputers" designed for robotics and edge AI applications. They allow the drones to process vast amounts of data from onboard sensors, such as thermal imagers, in real-time. This enables features like:

  • Autonomous Target Recognition: Drones can independently identify and select high-value targets without direct human control.
  • Advanced Navigation: The drones can navigate using "computer vision," comparing live camera feeds with pre-loaded terrain maps, making them less reliant on satellite navigation.
  • Electronic Warfare Resistance: The AI-powered systems can help the drones to operate effectively despite Ukrainian electronic warfare measures.

Drones Utilizing NVIDIA Technology

Several Russian drone models have been identified as using NVIDIA technology:

  • V2U and MS001: These are newer attack drones, with the MS001 being an upgraded version of the Iranian Shahed-136. Both are equipped with the NVIDIA Jetson Orin chip, which provides them with their advanced AI capabilities.
  • Albatros M5: This drone uses NVIDIA's Jetson series for image recognition.
  • Lancet-3: Captured Lancet-3 drones have been found to contain the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 module.

Circumventing Sanctions

Despite US export controls prohibiting the sale of such technology to Russia, these high-tech components are finding their way to the battlefield through clandestine supply chains. Reports indicate that Russia is acquiring these chips through "gray-market channels," often smuggling them through third countries like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Turkey. The chips are frequently disguised as consumer electronics to evade detection.

Many of the other components in these drones are also sourced from other countries, with China being a major supplier of parts like microcomputers that house the NVIDIA chips. For instance, the V2U drone uses a Chinese-made Leetop A203 mini-computer which incorporates the NVIDIA Jetson Orin processor.

NVIDIA has stated that it has suspended all sales to Russia and that its products are not designed for military use. The company has also affirmed that it would sever ties with any distributors found to be violating export controls.