The experience of NATO and the Pentagon with MSS could benefit Ukraine
The U.S. Department of Defense has significantly expanded its contract with Palantir Technologies for the delivery of the Maven Smart System (MSS). The agreement was increased from $480 million to $1.275 billion, highlighting large-scale AI integration in the U.S. military.
MSS is an artificial intelligence solution that processes imagery, video, and other intelligence inputs from drones, satellites, and sensors. With machine learning algorithms, the system automatically detects, classifies, and tracks battlefield objects — accelerating decision-making and improving strike precision.
According to Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, more than 20,000 users across 35 military entities are already operating MSS in the field.
MSS NATO: a multinational version for the Alliance
In parallel, NATO is deploying a tailored version of the system — MSS NATO. It includes generative AI, large language models (LLMs), automated drone video analysis, and real-time collaboration tools. The system is already being used in NATO exercises and analysis centers, some of which involve Ukraine.
Relevance to Ukraine
Ukraine, which is actively building its own drone and AI capabilities, could greatly benefit from similar technologies. MSS-like solutions could:
- speed up intelligence analysis,
- improve targeting for loitering munitions,
- enhance precision in fire missions,
- reduce decision fatigue for officers,
- and fuse multiple data sources into one operational picture.
Ukraine has already integrated some Palantir solutions and similar platforms into its defense architecture. According to the Ministry of Defense, these systems are used for planning and operational analysis at the strategic level.
