Raspberry Pi in Russian Drones, Palanir’s Market Capitalisation, and Robots Causes Battlefield Standstill

Raspberry Pi computers have been discovered inside Russian drones shot down on the front line. A BBC investigation shows the trade route through Kyrgyzstan.

Palantir has added more than $23 billion to its market capitalisation, reaching $61 per share and giving the company a nearly $140 billion valuation.

But first, Ukraine’s formal military chief raises the risk of a standstill in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war due to the introduction of robots:

“When robots began to appear en masse on the battlefield, they made it impossible for soldiers to move in any way on the battlefield [...] We couldn’t move towards the Russians; the Russians, accordingly, could move in the same way [...] According to my theory, when this technical evolutionary process is completed, and subsequently, the accumulation of technological material occurs, the possibility of pushing through will be restored; this could happen sometime after 2027.”

— Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Former Military Chief of Ukraine

The Big Story

How Raspberry Pi Ended Up in Russian Drones

Raspberry Pi computers have been discovered inside Russian drones shot down on the front line, according to the Ukrainian military. A BBC investigation has traced how these devices reached the Russian military.

Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer the size of a pack of cigarettes. It is cheap—only $25-30—and easy to use. The mini computer was invented in 2012 by experts at Oxford to teach children to code. Over 40 million units have been sold to date.

BBC reporters found custom documents showing that the route to the Russian military appears to be through Kyrgyzstan. Over 10,000 Raspberry Pi units have been sold to Russian companies sanctioned by the EU for their links to the Russian military. These sales are tied to a Kyrgyz firm owned by 25-year-old Valera Baigascina, a part-time model known for showcasing lavish lifestyles on Instagram. The company regularly ships all kinds of Western kits into Russia.

Raspberry Pi says it is shocked and is doing everything it can to shut down the trade routes into Russia.

Trade data shows that since sanctions on Russia were introduced in February 2022, UK exports to Kyrgyzstan have increased by more than 300%. Experts suspect some goods are destined for Moscow.

Despite pressure from the British government and the EU, Kyrgyzstan has struggled to halt such exports, due to corruption and financial incentives. As a result, Western-made electronics, originally designed for education and innovation, are being repurposed into components of Russian weapons.

Palantir Becomes Third Most Popular Company in the US Options Market

Since Donald Trump was elected this month, Palantir has addedmore than $23 billion to its market capitalisation, as investors anticipate the secretive government contractor will benefit from increased federal spending on national security.

Palantir’s shares have almost tripled in the past year, reaching $61 per share and giving the company a valuation of nearly $140 billion.

The market surge propelled Palantir’s market capitalisation past that of Lockheed Martin, one of the largest defence prime contractors in the United States. It represented a larger increase than even Nvidia’s.

“Trump is going to be on a mission, especially in Israel and Ukraine,” said Rodger Monteforte, chief executive of Forte Capital Group and a Palantir investor. “Palantir is going to be a pivotal player.”

On Monday, investors traded more than 1.6 million options tied to Palantir’s stock, making it the third most popular company in the US options market, behind only Nvidia and Tesla.

In the News

US Space Surveillance Network to Be Modernized by Anduril

Anduril Industries has secured a $99.7 million contract to upgrade the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) with its Lattice platform. The initiative, part of the Space Domain Awareness Network (SDANet), aims to integrate advanced sensor tasking and data-sharing systems for improved situational awareness. Operational trials in Hawaii have demonstrated the platform’s capabilities, with full deployment expected by 2026. The modernization will enhance U.S. Space Force operations and strengthen allied cooperation.
Read more at Military Embedded.

Russia Deploys New Hypersonic Missile Technology in Ukraine Conflict

Russia has unveiled the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile in its war against Ukraine, capable of carrying multiple warheads and travelling at speeds ten times the speed of sound. This advanced weapon, designed to evade Western air defences, was deployed with a conventional payload in a symbolic demonstration of technological supremacy. The missile’s use signals an escalation in modern warfare, with analysts warning of increased risks to regional and global security.
Read more at NRP.

Hypersonic Tech Capabilities Accelerated Under New AUKUS Arrangement

The AUKUS alliance, comprising the UK, US, and Australia, is expediting the development of hypersonic technologies through shared resources and expertise. The Hypersonic Flight Test and Experimentation (HyFliTE) project aims to improve long-range strike missiles capable of travelling faster than Mach 5. This initiative enhances the allies’ ability to counter emerging threats and maintains a technological edge over adversaries. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the importance of collaboration to bolster collective security and global stability.
Read more at BFBS.

BAE to Develop Advanced Electronic Warfare Tech for US Combat Vehicles

BAE Systems has received a U.S. Army contract to enhance electronic warfare countermeasures for combat vehicles. The Multi-Class Soft Kill System (MCSKS) includes innovations like the Terra Raven, a non-kinetic infrared countermeasure that improves survivability against anti-tank missiles. These systems, developed in the US, enhance battlefield effectiveness through electromagnetic warfare technologies, aligning with the Army’s goals for comprehensive vehicle protection.
Read more at BAE.

Conflict Driving Investment in European Defence Firms

The war in Ukraine has spurred significant investments in European defence firms, with a focus on drones and AI technologies. European startups like Helsing and ICEYE are receiving venture funding and government support, reflecting a shift towards innovative defence technologies. However, the fragmented European market remains a barrier to cross-border cooperation. Experts predict a wave of collaborations between established firms and startups to meet NATO targets and modernise defence capabilities.
Read more at Economist.

Analysis: Russia’s Nuclear-Capable Missile a Clear Departure from Cold War Doctrine

Russia has used a nuclear-capable MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) missile in its offensive against Ukraine, marking the first combat use of such technology. Historically part of nuclear deterrence strategies, the deployment raises concerns about escalating instability. Experts argue MIRVs incentivize first strikes in crises due to their high destructive capacity and vulnerability. While the missiles used conventional warheads, the event has heightened fears of nuclear conflict as geopolitical tensions rise.
Read more at CNN.