Palantir CEO backs ex-Ukrainian minister’s new defence-tech venture targeting Western allies

After departing the Ukrainian government, former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov is launching a defence-technology startup backed by Palantir chief Alex Karp, who will act as the first lead investor. The venture seeks to transform battlefield innovations developed on Ukraine’s front lines into commercial security products for Kyiv and partner nations. Fedorov is also pursuing U.S. funding for a defence fund targeting autonomous robotics, drone interceptors and AI-guided missiles, though financial terms have not been revealed.

In a video posted on X, Karp lauded the effort as a means to export Ukraine’s direct combat expertise to allied countries. Details such as the company’s name, initial product lineup and the precise scope of Karp’s role have been kept confidential. The move comes amid intense war-driven advances in drones, battlefield management software and artificial-intelligence applications, and underscores Fedorov’s ongoing ties with prominent American tech leaders.