Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has founded a secretive military drone company named White Stork, now renamed “Project Eagle,” which has begun testing its AI-guided aircraft in Menlo Park and Ukraine. Schmidt has been actively involved in Ukraine’s defense tech efforts and has been testing drone prototypes with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, receiving praise from the Minister of Digital Transformation for his contributions to the country.
The development of White Stork’s drones has been aided by a team of notable hires, including former employees from Apple, SpaceX, and Google, as well as experts in machine learning, aerospace, and supply chains. Schmidt has sought advice from Silicon Valley luminaries like Sebastian Thrun and Hendrik Dahlkamp, who are developing AI-enabled visual targeting software for the drone project. White Stork’s expanding employee roster also includes former members of the Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Board and Schmidt’s family office.
Despite operating in stealth, Schmidt has positioned himself as a pundit on the conflict in Ukraine, advocating for the use of AI-driven drones in modern warfare. He has written op-eds predicting the rise of kamikaze drones and highlighting the realities faced by ground troops and drone operators. Schmidt’s project, previously known as White Stork, has been rebranded as “Project Eagle” and operates under a network of LLCs and associated companies to maintain secrecy around the venture.
Schmidt’s involvement in Ukraine’s defense tech efforts has attracted attention and praise from Ukrainian officials and military personnel. He has been actively testing drone prototypes with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and has sought feedback from specialized units within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Schmidt’s project has been developing AI-enabled drones that can home in on battlefield targets, with a team of experts from various fields working on the technology and operations of the drones.
Schmidt’s project has been shrouded in secrecy, with the details of its operations and development being revealed gradually. The venture operates under the name “Project Eagle” and has registered domain names and LLCs to maintain confidentiality. Schmidt’s involvement in Ukraine’s defense tech efforts has been lauded by Ukrainian officials, who have praised his contributions to the country’s defense capabilities and his support for the Ministry of Defense.
Despite the secretive nature of Schmidt’s drone project, details about its development and testing have emerged, shedding light on the billionaire technologist’s involvement in Ukraine’s defense tech landscape. With a team of experts and high-profile hires, Schmidt’s project is poised to make a significant impact on the future of AI-guided drones and their role in modern warfare. Schmidt’s efforts in Ukraine and his work on the Project Eagle drone project have positioned him as a key player in the defense tech industry, with his contributions drawing praise and recognition from Ukrainian officials and military personnel.
