Ukraine is set to establish a pioneering system that will allow its international allies to train artificial intelligence (AI) models using extensive combat data gathered over the last four years. This initiative was announced by the newly appointed Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, as part of a broader push to modernize Kyiv’s military capabilities and reform the defense sector.
Fedorov, who previously served as the Minister for Digitalisation, described Ukraine’s vast collection of wartime information as a critical “card” in diplomatic negotiations.
The Strategic Value of Combat Information
Since the beginning of the conflict in early 2022, Ukraine has amassed an unprecedented volume of real-world battlefield data. This trove includes:
- Millions of hours of drone footage captured from front-line operations.
- Systematically logged combat statistics reflecting modern warfare dynamics.
AI algorithms require immense volumes of authentic data to accurately identify patterns and predict how objects or individuals might behave in various scenarios. Fedorov confirmed that there is high demand from allies to access this data to refine their own defense software.
Global Integration and Strategic Counsel
As Fedorov takes the helm of the Defence Ministry, he intends to “more actively” integrate international partners into Ukrainian technological projects. Ukraine currently utilizes AI technology from the U.S. analytics firm Palantir for both military and civil applications.
To guide these systemic reforms, the ministry is receiving advisory support from prominent international institutions, including:
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and RAND in the United States.
- The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in the United Kingdom.
Innovation in the Air: Replacing the Mavic Drone
A key component of Ukraine’s technological shift is the reduction of dependency on foreign-sourced hardware. This month, Kyiv will begin testing a homegrown replacement for the Chinese-made DJI Mavic drone, which has been a staple of aerial reconnaissance for both sides.
Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns regarding their reliance on technology from Beijing, citing China’s deepening diplomatic relationship with Russia. While the specific manufacturer of the new analogue has not been disclosed, Fedorov highlighted its capabilities:
- Comparable Optics: The drone features a camera similar to the Mavic.
- Enhanced Range: The domestic version offers a longer flight range than its Chinese counterpart.
