Automated System for Recognizing Air Targets Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Abstract
Purpose. To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of air defense systems through the development and implementation of an automated air target recognition system based on deep learning methods, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNNs).
Method. A quantitative approach was applied using the public Drone Image Classification Dataset containing four image classes (three types of drones and a negative class).
Findings. The developed model demonstrated high classification accuracy of air targets under test conditions, ensuring reliable drone identification and robustness against background noise.
Theoretical implications. The research deepens the scientific understanding of applying convolutional neural networks to real-time air object recognition tasks, contributing to the advancement of computer vision theory in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Practical implications. The obtained results can be utilized for the development and improvement of air defense systems, strategic facility protection, and critical infrastructure security.
Originality of the study. An effective CNN architecture for multi-class air target classification using a public dataset has been proposed, incorporating a negative class to improve system robustness.
Research limitations. The model was tested on static images; to improve its real-world performance, further research should address video stream processing and computational optimization methods for embedded systems.
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References
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Drone type classification. (n.d.). Kaggle. Available from : https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/balajikartheek/drone-type-classification
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Copyright (c) 2025 Oleg Lavrov, Andrii Lavrov

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