Former Google Chief Eric Schmidt’s startup, White Stork, is making significant advancements in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) drones for Ukraine. The project, operating discreetly under shell companies, aims to provide Ukraine with advanced drone technology to support its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Eric Schmidt, a veteran figure in the tech industry, previously headed the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence after his departure from Google. In a report issued in 2021, the commission emphasized the transformative impact of AI on warfare across all domains. It appears that Schmidt is now leveraging that vision with White Stork.
At an estimated value of $400 each, White Stork’s drones are touted as affordable and carry a small number of explosives. Schmidt elaborated on their affordability and military significance in a July Wall Street Journal column, where he referred to them as the most important weapon against Russia. This aligns with the United States scaling back deals with conventional arms manufacturers like Palantir.
Furthermore, Schmidt’s recent article highlighting Ukraine’s losing drone war and predicting their reliance on imported drones by 2024 has fueled speculation regarding his self-serving interests.
Adding to the project’s opacity is the fact that White Stork operates through shell companies, with one listing Schmidt as a beneficiary and another, Volya Robotics OÜ, under the sole control of a family office employee.
White Stork has recruited a team of seasoned tech veterans, including Sebastian Thrun, a co-founder of Google’s X research lab. The impact of this project on the Ukrainian conflict and the future of AI-powered weaponry remains to be seen.
In conclusion, Eric Schmidt’s startup, White Stork, is developing AI drones for Ukraine, aiming to provide the country with advanced drone technology to aid in its conflict with Russia. Schmidt’s deep industry knowledge and the project’s affordability and military significance make it a notable development. However, the project’s clandestine operation through shell companies and Schmidt’s recent articles have raised questions about potential self-serving interests. The involvement of experienced tech veterans like Sebastian Thrun also adds to the project’s intrigue and merits further observation.
