Chinese Drones Under Control: Oleksandr Kardakov Discusses Threats and Solutions

In China, there exists a legislative requirement that prohibits the production of any optical device without a backdoor, which implies that in Ukraine, as much as 90% or even 80% of surveillance cameras may be under the control of Chinese manufacturers. This information was disclosed by Oleksandr Kardakov, an IT millionaire and founder of Octava Capital, during an interview with the publication NV.

Kardakov pointed out that numerous videos can be found online showcasing Chinese Gimbals—cameras installed on reconnaissance drones. He emphasized that it is legally mandated in China to produce any optical device with a backdoor, which is a hidden flaw in the algorithm or a deliberately left loophole in the software code. This allows even Gimbals mounted on drones to upload recordings. This concern is compounded by the presence of Hikvision, a Chinese manufacturer of video surveillance and security systems. Thus, the situation in Ukraine is critical, as 90% or 80% of cameras may be under Chinese control.

Furthermore, Kardakov highlighted that open communication channels are being used in Ukraine, which creates additional risks. He provided examples of instances where Russian forces intercepted control of Ukrainian drones. This underscores the importance of securing communication channels for drones, which, according to Kardakov, can be legislated. 'It is essential that there is at least some system for protecting communication channels on all drones,' he stated. 'And this is not something prohibitively expensive.'

At the same time, Kardakov noted that this issue works both ways: Ukraine also has the capability to intercept control of enemy drones. He remarked that 'theoretically, this is possible,' and there are talents in Ukraine capable of implementing such technologies.

Discussing ideas that have been on the table over the past two years, Kardakov mentioned the concept of kamikaze drones, which allegedly have a built-in price list that allows them to determine which target is worth destroying. 'Even at exhibitions, there were such attractive advertisements. In reality, this is impossible,' he emphasized. According to him, artificial intelligence in this case is a data center information processing system, and a technology like SPHERE should process hundreds of information sensors in real-time.

Kardakov cited the example of Venator, a company that developed a kamikaze drone and an acoustic sensor called Fenek, which has undergone certification and combat testing. These technologies can be utilized by other manufacturers, including those abroad. He noted that the technologies under development are being adapted for mass production capabilities at standard enterprises.

Speaking about the role of Octava Capital in these processes, Kardakov stressed that the company is focused on developing new technologies. 'We are coming up with all of this. For instance, during World War II, Sherman tanks were produced at 10 factories. They differed slightly from each other, but they were not different tanks. Someone organized this. Our task is to build a system,' he concluded.

It is worth noting that earlier reports indicated a significant breakthrough in Ukraine's drone production, which allows for a reduction in dependence on Chinese components. This opens up new opportunities for the development of defense technologies in the country.