In a surprising turn of events, a Russian neurotechnology company called Neiry is exploring the use of pigeons as “bio-drones.” These birds are implanted with neural chips and outfitted with cameras and other electronic modules to allow remote control of their flight paths. Equipped with solar panels and capable of flying up to 300 miles a day, the pigeons are seen as a potential alternative to mechanical drones for certain missions.
While Neiry emphasizes the peaceful civilian applications of this technology, experts caution that such bio-drones could be weaponized if successful. James Giordano, a neurology professor and Pentagon science adviser, raised concerns about the potential misuse of pigeon drones to transmit diseases into enemy territory.
Neiry has denied any plans for military use, asserting that their focus is on civilian applications such as utilities, logistics, agriculture, and emergency response. The company ensures the well-being of the birds, stating that they are cared for and allowed to continue their normal routines between flights.
Founder Alexander Panov highlighted the versatility of their system, noting that different bird species could be utilized based on the environment or payload requirements. Neiry’s funding, including a significant amount allegedly from the Russian government, has raised questions about potential government involvement and agendas.
The company’s ties to Putin’s second daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, through a partnership with an artificial intelligence institute, have also come under scrutiny. Despite the historical use of pigeons in warfare, particularly during World War II, where they played vital roles as messengers, concerns remain about the implications of merging animals with technology for modern conflicts.
