Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is launching a defense technology company backed by Palantir

Palantir CEO Alex Karp stepping in as the first lead investor in a new defense technology company founded by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedoro. According to a report by CNBC, the size of Karp’s investment has not been disclosed, but Fedorov’s press office confirmed the partnership, saying details of cooperation with Palantir will be announced gradually. In a video posted by Fedorov on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Karp praised the venture, saying it could bring Ukraine’s wartime knowledge and experience “as a product to allied countries.” He added: “You and your colleagues are launching a company that I think will be defining for the world.”Alex Karp backed defense company turning wartime experience into a productThe company’s name, specific technologies, and the extent of Karp’s involvement have not yet been disclosed. Palantir did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Fedorov’s office said the venture will build on lessons learned during Ukraine’s war with Russia, where drones, artificial intelligence, and battlefield software have played a critical role.A war reshaping military technologyThe launch comes as Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia continues to accelerate the development and battlefield deployment of technologies including drones, artificial intelligence, and military software. Fedorov, long known as a vocal advocate for using technology to modernize Ukraine's military, said the new company would apply lessons learned during the war to build technology usable by both Ukraine and its allied partners.Fedorov, 35, said in a statement: “During the full-scale war, our team gained unique experience working with defense technologies in Ukraine and seeing firsthand how technology is transforming modern warfare.” He added that the company will aim to apply those lessons to products usable by both Ukraine and its allies.Fedorov's abrupt exit from governmentFedorov, 35, was removed from his role as defense minister by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July as part of a broader government reshuffle, after serving in the position for just six months. His removal sparked public protests in Ukraine at the time.What Fedorov has been doing since leaving governmentSince exiting government, Fedorov has been actively courting US investors and technology executives as he pursues a series of defense-focused ventures. He is separately seeking U.S. backing for a defense technology investment fund targeting areas including battlefield robotics, interceptor drones, and AI-enabled missile systems, according to a Financial Times report published last week.Fedorov built relationships with several prominent U.S. tech executives during the war. Last month, he described Elon Musk as the most important tech figure and entrepreneur in the world for Ukraine, crediting Starlink's decision to block Russian forces from accessing the satellite internet service.Get the latest technology news and updates. Download the TOI App.