Ukraine’s new defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has outlined plans for a sweeping AI-driven modernization of the country’s armed forces, aiming to strengthen frontline operations and improve battlefield decision-making. Appointed last week by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Fedorov, formerly the digitalisation minister, is tasked with introducing innovation across Europe’s largest military.
Fedorov emphasized performance-based management, stating that commanders must demonstrate measurable results to remain in the system. His team has compiled “high-quality data” on ministry expenditures and potential savings to address budget gaps and optimize resource allocation. Fedorov highlighted the importance of “the mathematics of war” and systematic calculations to guide operational decisions.
AI and Mission Control Integration
As part of the modernization, the ministry plans to launch mission control systems for drone and artillery units, increasing real-time visibility into crew performance and operational effectiveness. The goal is to provide commanders with a comprehensive view of the battlefield to accelerate decision-making and maximize the impact against Russian forces.
Ukraine will also share its extensive wartime data with allies to train AI military models. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Kyiv has collected combat statistics and millions of hours of drone footage. These datasets are critical for AI, allowing models to identify patterns and predict troop and equipment behavior. Fedorov indicated that Kyiv is already using AI technology from U.S. analytics firm Palantir and is receiving guidance from U.S. think tanks such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies and RAND, as well as the U.K.’s Royal United Services Institute.
Domestic Drone Development
Fedorov said Ukraine would test a home-grown replacement for China’s DJI Mavic drones, widely used for aerial reconnaissance, with the same camera capabilities but extended flight range. The move addresses concerns over reliance on Chinese hardware, given Beijing’s growing ties with Russia.
The initiative reflects a broader trend of militaries integrating AI and data analytics into operational planning. By leveraging AI, real-time battlefield data, and domestic technology development, Ukraine aims to enhance efficiency, reduce response times, and sustain operational pressure on Russian forces.
