Defense startup developing AI-powered ‘kamikaze drones’ for the U.S. Marines [Video]

U.S. defense technology company Anduril has unveiled its new Bolt family of military drones powered by artificial intelligence (AI) — including one model equipped with “lethal precision firepower.”

The drones have been developed for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) as part of an ongoing modernization program called Force Design. The system is a “man-packable, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Autonomous Air Vehicle” that comes in two configurations — the Bolt and Bolt-M, Anduril representatives said in a statement.

The Bolt is the standard configuration of the drone, intended for use in surveillance and search-and-rescue operations, while the Bolt-M comes equipped with explosive munitions for active combat scenarios. It’s effectively a “kamikaze” drone fitted with surveillance equipment and explosive ordinance. This lets the drone identify …