Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has announced the launch of a new defense tech project called the “Army of Robots.”
Its goal is to hand over the most dangerous battlefield missions to robotic systems and reduce risks to Ukrainian troops.
Fedorov, who previously also headed Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and was one of the key figures behind the development of the country’s military technology sector, said that after the large-scale adoption of drones, the next technological stage should be the robotization of warfare.
According to Fedorov, drones now account for more than 95% of strikes, while more than 700 UAV manufacturers are operating in Ukraine.
“The goal of the Army of Robots is to save lives. Robots should do the most dangerous work so that our soldiers can return home,” Fedorov said.
SEE WHAT THE ARMY OF ROBOTS WILL LOOK LIKE HERE
The project envisions using humanoid and other robotic systems to evacuate wounded soldiers, deliver ammunition, lay and clear mines, conduct reconnaissance, defend positions and strike targets. The idea is for robots to be the first to enter areas where soldiers currently have to risk their lives.
The “Army of Robots” is intended to become an entire defense tech ecosystem rather than a single company. The team plans to invest in Ukrainian technology companies, launch its own projects and R&D programs, test new systems alongside the military and rapidly scale solutions that prove effective on the battlefield.
Fedorov identified Russia’s ability to quickly copy and scale military technologies as one of the key challenges. Ukraine, he said, therefore needs to continuously develop the next technological cycle before its adversary does.
To achieve this, the team plans to bring together engineers, the combat experience of Ukrainian troops, technology and private capital around a single goal.
“To make robots fight instead of people,” Fedorov said, describing the project’s core idea.
Fedorov stressed that after leaving government, his team continues to work on its AIR. LAND. ECONOMY vision of technology-driven warfare and to develop technologies aimed at strengthening Ukraine while saving the lives of its troops.
He described robotics as one of the areas where Ukraine could achieve its next major technological breakthrough following the rapid expansion of military drone warfare.
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