Fedorov: Defense tech investment fund in the works, 3 key focus areas identified at start

Former Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov has announced plans to establish a new defense technology investment fund. This fund would initially concentrate on three key areas: battlefield robotics, jet-powered interceptor drones, and low-cost AI-enabled missiles. Fedorov shared these plans on his Telegram channel, indicating that they had commenced a working visit to Washington.

Their objective was to meet with venture funds, entrepreneurs, tech companies, experts, and organizations that could potentially become partners in their projects and assist in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Fedorov clarified that this fund would not operate as a traditional venture fund. Instead, it would invest not only in existing Ukrainian defense technology companies but also in the creation of new companies focused on technologies deemed crucial on the battlefield. The three primary technological areas identified for the fund's initial focus were battlefield robotics, jet-powered interceptor drones, and low-cost AI-enabled missiles.

Robotics, according to Fedorov, would be utilized to save soldiers' lives and reduce personnel in the most perilous parts of the front line.

The second area of focus was jet-powered interceptor drones, aimed at countering emerging aerial threats, particularly jet-powered Shahed drones. The third area involved developing low-cost missiles that employed artificial intelligence. Fedorov reported that they were currently engaging with potential partners and investors to facilitate the implementation of these projects. The subsequent steps would involve assembling the team, presenting a transparent model of the fund, and initiating the first projects.

Fedorov stressed that the primary goal of this initiative was to attract international capital and expertise to foster the development of new technologies in Ukraine. His vision was to empower Ukraine to prevail in each subsequent technological cycle against the enemy.