Ukraine has agreed with German tech firm Helsing GmbH to incorporate artificial intelligence into Ukrainian-made drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The agreement resulted from multiple conferences over the past year aimed at establishing joint weapons manufacturing partnerships between Ukraine and other nations.
The memorandum of understanding on security and defense cooperation was signed on 24 February 2024 by Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, and Helsing CEO Gundbert Scherf.
The deal was announced by Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential office of Ukraine, who stated: “Artificial intelligence in UAVs on the battlefield is the reality of war in 2024. There will be AI in Ukrainian drone production… This memorandum has a specific goal – strengthening Ukrainian defense technology, introducing AI into UAVs of our production.”
Yermak added that Ukraine is “actively working with European countries, looking for partners, developing and arming ourselves.”
Helsing GmbH specializes in integrating artificial intelligence into defense technologies. It partners with prominent German arms company Rheinmetall and works closely with Germany’s Federal Defense Ministry.
By adding advanced AI and autonomous capabilities to Ukraine’s expanding drone arsenal and other weaponry, the deal with Helsing will bolster Ukraine’s technological edge as the war continues. Ukrainian forces plan to unveil more defense innovations and surprises for Russia in 2024.