Ukraine is building an underground UAV component manufacturing facility with a Croatian partner.
General Cherry of Ukraine and Orqa from Croatia are collaborating to build an underground production facility to localize UAV components and reduce reliance on supplies from China.
Ukraine and Croatia have officially launched a project to build an underground production facility for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components. This is a strategic effort to fully localize the military supply chain and serve the rearmament needs of NATO countries in the near future.
Strategic partnership between General Cherry and Orqa
This project is a collaboration between General Cherry (part of Ukraine's NAUDI group) and Orqa of Croatia. Operating within the framework of the "Build on Ukraine" program, this initiative focuses on developing and producing new UAV technologies at the jointly established production facility.
Besides meeting the urgent needs of the Ukrainian battlefield, this effort also aims to support the defense capabilities of allied countries. The project is considered to be mutually beneficial, combining Europe's large-scale production capabilities with Ukraine's extensive combat experience.
The goal is to reduce dependence on component supplies from China.
One of the joint venture's top priorities is achieving technological independence, particularly reducing reliance on imported components from China. Although Ukraine has made considerable efforts in this area, high costs and limited industrial capacity remain significant obstacles.
Orqa, as one of Europe's leading UAV companies, offers technical expertise and the capacity to produce up to 280,000 units per year. The company's strategy focuses on eliminating non-Western components from its supply chain, a key factor in ensuring the defense security of NATO countries.
Applying practical experience to new technologies.
This partnership is not just a one-way transfer of technology. Ukraine contributes valuable lessons and technical solutions that have proven effective on the battlefield. These technologies will be adapted to build an independent component manufacturing base, meeting the stringent standards of Western militaries.
General Cherry is well-known for its range of attack and defense FPV UAVs. Notably, the company's products have achieved success in shooting down Ka-52 attack helicopters and have been showcased at technical competitions organized by the Pentagon.
According to plans, by 2026, Ukrainian defense companies are expected to establish at least 10 joint ventures producing UAVs across Europe. The collaboration with Orqa is seen as a prime example of Ukraine's strategy to expand its military production network beyond its borders, ensuring sustainability and security against fire risks.
