Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announces launch of Defense AI Center

Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov has announced the launch of Defense AI Center "A1" to accelerate the introduction of artificial intelligence capabilities in warfare, with Danylo Tsvok and Dmytro Ovcharenko as its leaders.

"We have recently launched Defense AI Center A1 to accelerate the introduction of artificial intelligence into warfare and shorten the path from combat experience to technological solutions. After the launch, we focused on the first steps - working with data, building infrastructure and forming a team," he wrote on his Telegram channel on Saturday.

According to him, the Center operates as a full-fledged structure that combines the development, research, and implementation of AI solutions. The focus is on tools that give a practical advantage on the battlefield.

"The key area is data management. We develop unified approaches to data quality, standardization, protection, and use for AI training. This is the basis for accurate analysis, forecasting, and quick decisions in combat conditions," Fedorov said.

At the same time, the team is developing: modeling and simulation environments for testing solutions; AI infrastructure for rapid deployment of systems; tools that can be immediately integrated into units.

The center's managers have already been appointed: CEO Danylo Tsvok and CTO Dmytro Ovcharenko.

Tsvok previously held the position of Chief AI Officer at the Ministry of Digital Transformation and head of WINWIN AI Center of Excellence. He managed the launch of key state AI projects: Diia.AI, national LLM, and AI development strategy until 2030. At the same time, he worked on defense AI solutions and developed partnerships with Big Tech companies.

Ovcharenko is a former AI CTO of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and CTO of WINWIN AI Center of Excellence. Under his leadership, the state AI infrastructure was launched, including AI Factory, and key AI solutions, including Diia.AI, were created.

According to Fedorov, in partnership, they formed key AI areas at the state level and worked on defense AI projects. Under their leadership, Ukraine has risen by a record 13 positions in the global AI ranking over the year.

"A separate track of work is partnerships. The Center is being implemented with the support of the UK government, and we are expanding cooperation both at the governmental level and with the private sector," Fedorov added.