Ukraine's ex-defence minister Fedorov unveils new Army of Robots project

What Happened

On 26 September 2026, former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the 'Army of Robots' project at the IT Arena 2026 conference in Lviv. The initiative aims to develop humanoid robots capable of performing frontline tasks such as reloading machine guns, replacing batteries, and installing sensors to reduce infantry exposure. Fedorov stated the project's primary goal is for a humanoid robot to kill a Russian soldier within six months of the program's launch, with a secondary objective of conducting joint operations involving robots and drones within 12 months. The project is currently seeking engineers, specialists, and investment to build a technological ecosystem, with plans to involve a large private technology company and international defence firms.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The project represents a strategic shift toward autonomous warfare, aiming to mitigate Ukrainian infantry casualties by substituting human labor with humanoid robotics and AI-driven systems. By integrating these robots with existing UAVs and unmanned ground vehicles, the initiative seeks to create a scalable technological ecosystem that could alter the operational dynamics of the ongoing conflict against Russian forces.

Watch For

Monitor the announcement of the private technology company partner, the progress of the six-month timeline for the first lethal engagement by a robot, and the recruitment of international defence firms to the project.