Surveillance pigeon drones are Moscow's latest weapon

Birds fitted with brain implants

- BY WILL STEWART

RUSSIAN scientists have fitted pigeons with brain implants that turn them into remote-controlled surveillance drones, a software firm linked to the Kremlin claims.

Bosses at Neiry say operators can direct flocks by stimulating areas of the brain.

Each bird wears a harness with a solar-powered GPS tracker and a receiver that relays signals to the implant. Onboard cameras could also be used to map conflict zones, including Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Neiry says “no training is required” and each bird becomes “remotely controllable after the operation”, with pigeons reportedly capable of flying 310 miles a day.