Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, is quietly developing AI-powered combat drones through his secretive venture, initially known as White Stork and now rumored to be called Project Eagle. This initiative aims to revolutionize military technology by creating drones that leverage artificial intelligence for precise target identification and engagement in complex battlefield environments.
Quest for the Top Talent
Schmidt has been actively recruiting top talent from esteemed organizations such as Apple, SpaceX, Google, and federal government agencies to advance the development of AI-guided drones at his venture. Over the past few months, approximately a dozen employees have joined the company, which operates discreetly under a network of LLCs to maintain secrecy.
The billionaire technologist has also been personally involved in the testing and development process, frequently visiting Ukraine to oversee progress and gather feedback from Ukrainian military officials. Neighbors of Hillspire, Schmidt's family office in Silicon Valley, have observed individuals flying small drones from the building's gated courtyard, while sources familiar with his activities in Kyiv revealed that his team has been testing drone prototypes with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
White Stork aka Project Eagle
White Stork, the company founded by Eric Schmidt in August 2023, has been operating under the radar through a network of LLCs. Initially named Swift Beat Holdings, it rebranded to White Stork Group LLC in September. Delaware business records identify Schmidt as the sole beneficial owner of Volya Robotics OÜ, the holding company for Swift Beat.
The venture's primary objective is to develop mass-producible drones equipped with AI for visual targeting, capable of functioning in GPS-jammed environments. Though still in stealth mode, White Stork's activities have become an open secret within the drone community, with Schmidt personally involved in exploring Ukrainian factories and testing ranges while reaching out to various startups.
AI-Powered Combat
The primary focus of Schmidt's venture is to develop drones that harness AI technology for precise target identification and engagement on the battlefield. These AI-powered drones, often referred to as "suicide" or "kamikaze" drones, are designed to loiter in combat zones and strike targets opportunistically. Schmidt has been a vocal proponent of such drones, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize modern warfare by enabling swarms of AI-guided drones to collaborate algorithmically and overcome enemy countermeasures. However, the rapid adoption of AI in combat raises significant ethical and legal questions, which some experts believe are not evolving quickly enough to keep pace with technological advancements.
Testing in Ukraine
Schmidt has been a frequent visitor to Ukraine, witnessing drone warfare firsthand and receiving praise from Ukrainian officials, including Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Digital Transformation. In 2023, his team conducted demonstrations for parties such as the 14th Regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a specialized unit handling drone reconnaissance and warfare. Sources reveal that Schmidt's team has been testing drone prototypes with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, soliciting their feedback to refine the technology. The billionaire's involvement in Ukraine's defense efforts extends beyond his drone venture, as he has also seeded millions of dollars to a Ukrainian startup accelerator called D3, which provides initial funding to defense tech companies in the country.
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