Ukraine used 20-year-old Open Source software in its Operation Spider Web against Russia
Post on X by Chris Anderson
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Post by Jason Short who is one of the developers of ArduPilot software
Originally designed to work with Arduino hardware, ArduPilot has now been upgraded into a robust platform that can guide drones, boats, submarines, and even rovers. It allows drone pilots to set GPS-guided waypoints, automate take-off and landing, and keep the craft stable in the air. While the software was created for peaceful and recreational purposes—like search and rescue, agricultural use, or 3D mapping—the use of this software in warfare has shown its adaptability for military use.The project's website notes that ArduPilot is maintained by a global community and emphasises ethical development, stating that its mission is to build tools 'for the peaceful benefit of all.' It also includes a pledge not to knowingly support weaponisation—but being open source, the software can be freely modified and repurposed by anyone.Video footage from Ukraine' operation Operation Spider Web shared online shows drones running ArduPilot during the attack. According to the report, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) smuggled quadcopters into Russian territory hidden in trucks and storage sheds. When triggered, the roofs of these hidden compartments opened, releasing drones already loaded with explosives.Many reports suggest that, instead of relying on satellite systems like Starlink—often jammed or tracked—these smaller drones used basic modems and Raspberry Pi-like boards to communicate over Russian mobile networks. And during the operation, the Open-source software ArduPilot helped Ukraine force ensure stabilisation and flight control of the drones despite high latency.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that 117 drones were involved in the operation and confirmed that the attack had been in planning for over a year. 'Thirty-four percent of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. Our personnel operated across multiple Russian regions – in three different time zones,' he said in a post on X. 'And the people who assisted us were withdrawn from Russian territory before the operation; they are now safe.'
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