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Empowering defense innovation for a secure Europe. We are combining Nordic startup agility with Ukrainian defense expertise.

We invest in agile, scalable, and cost-effective defense technologies that respond to today's fast-changing security landscape.

28/10/2026

EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance Holds First Board Meeting: What It Means for the Ecosystem

The EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance has moved from launch phase to operational mode, holding its first board meeting on 11 September under the auspices of the European Commission. The alliance is an industry-led platform with 18 founding members from Ukraine and across Europe, focused on accelerating joint development and production of drones and counter-drone systems within the broader EU–Ukraine defence-industrial cooperation framework launched in July.

Immediate priorities include setting up governing bodies and defining the first wave of priority projects, according to Tencore co-founder Roman Tkachenko. On the EU side, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius has emphasised faster formation of joint ventures and counter-UAS projects, as well as reduced R&D and procurement cycles, increased manufacturing capacity, and fewer supply-chain bottlenecks.

Founding members include nine Ukrainian manufacturers (SkyFall Industries, GreenTech Harvest, Tencore, Deviro, Vyriy Industries, Atlon Avia, TAF Industries, UForce, F-Drones) and nine European companies (ORQA, Indra Group, Fincantieri, WB Electronics, Destinus, Delair, RSI Europe, Terma, Quantum Systems). This brings Ukrainian battlefield-driven innovators into a formal framework with established European defence primes and newer unmanned-systems players.

For founders and industry operators, this is primarily an institutional signal: a structured channel for cross-border cooperation rather than a specific revenue event. The real value will come from subsequent joint ventures, funded development, production agreements and procurement contracts, none of which have been announced yet. For procurement stakeholders, the Alliance could become a focal point for scalable EU–Ukraine drone and counter-drone capabilities once guidance for additional members and public partners is published and the second board meeting convenes (expected before year-end).

If you’re an investor, founder, or procurement leader monitoring dual-use and defence-tech in Europe and Ukraine, this is a development to watch closely for concrete project and contract announcements.

Read more: https://thedefender.media/en/2026/09/eu-ua-drone-alliance-meeting/

22/10/2026

Ukraine raises concessional loan cap for defence manufacturers to UAH 500m

Ukraine has increased the ceiling for preferential working‑capital loans for defence manufacturers from UAH 100m to UAH 500m (effective 24.09.2026). The programme is available to companies executing state defence contracts and offers financing at concessional rates. Since 2024, over UAH 10bn has already been deployed through 167 loans.

This move directly targets one of the sector’s key scaling bottlenecks: the need for substantial working capital well before procurement revenue is received. By raising the cap fivefold, the state is materially expanding the usable debt headroom for qualified manufacturers.

For founders, this creates a clearer path to finance larger production runs without relying solely on equity or expensive short‑term credit. For investors, it strengthens the capital‑market signal that defence manufacturing scale‑up is a policy priority, potentially improving visibility on growth and de‑risking working‑capital gaps. For procurement bodies, the higher limit should support more reliable fulfilment of larger and more complex contracts, as suppliers can fund inputs and ramp‑up more effectively.

At NODIH, we track these financing shifts to help defence and dual‑use companies, as well as capital providers, understand how public instruments reshape the scaling landscape.

If you are a founder, investor, or procurement stakeholder assessing the impact of this change on your pipeline or portfolio, connect with us at NODIH to discuss implications for your strategy.

Read more: https://thedefender.media/en/2026/09/defense-industry-loans-raised-to-500m/

14/10/2026

Ukraine Removes Key Barrier to Tax-Free Defence Imports

Ukraine has expanded VAT and customs relief for imported defence components, eliminating a critical restriction that tied exemptions to Ukrainian state-budget funding (effective 01.10.2026). Previously, tax relief clearly applied only when components for domestic defence production were purchased directly with Ukrainian public funds.

As more weapons and equipment are now financed by foreign governments, international organisations and military-assistance programmes, this created inconsistent customs treatment and underused exemptions. The September amendments now allow VAT-free imports for components used in domestic production of weapons, military equipment and mu*****ns regardless of the funding source, as long as:
- the end recipient is an authorised Ukrainian defence or security body, and
- the goods are transferred to that body free of charge.

For drone and systems manufacturers, this can lower unit costs, make international financing streams more usable, and speed up adaptation of products relying on imported electronics, cameras, motors and similar parts. Speed is strategically important, as frontline requirements often drive rapid and repeated redesigns.

The reform also underscores an industrial trade-off. Ukrainian component producers may still pay VAT on imported raw materials (e.g. bearings, magnets, copper wire, stators), while fully assembled foreign components can sometimes enter without the same tax burden. Local industry stakeholders note that this can weaken the competitiveness of Ukrainian-made alternatives versus imports, particularly from China, which is estimated to supply a large share of UAV components.

For founders and investors, the change improves short‑term manufacturing economics but highlights a longer‑term strategic question: how to maintain cheap, reliable access to imported components while building a resilient domestic supply base.

At NODIH, we track these shifts to help investors, founders and procurement teams navigate Ukraine’s evolving defence‑industrial framework. Contact us to discuss implications for your portfolio or sourcing strategy.

Read more: https://thedefender.media/en/2026/10/import-benefits-controversy/

11/10/2026

For defence technology companies, understanding operational requirements and how military users would assess a product is essential for making informed development and market decisions.

A NODIH Advisory session provides an opportunity to explore concrete questions about your technology, including:

▪️ Product relevance: Does our solution address a current operational need?
▪️ Operational use: How could Ukrainian military units employ our technology in real-world conditions?
▪️ Usability: What strengths, limitations or practical challenges would military users identify?
▪️ Competitive alternatives: How does our product compare with existing solutions and approaches?
▪️ Deployment and training: What could prevent successful adoption, and what preparation would users need?
▪️ R&D priorities: Which capabilities or improvements should we prioritize based on operational feedback?

Each session is structured around your company's technology, assumptions and strategic priorities.

NODIH identifies relevant Ukrainian military experts, prepares the discussion and facilitates an exchange focused on your specific questions.

The goal is to help companies validate product assumptions, identify operational challenges and make better-informed decisions about product development and engagement with Ukraine.

The right questions, discussed with the right military expertise, can shape better product decisions.

What are the key uncertainties surrounding your technology?

Bring your questions to NODIH Advisory: https://www.nodih.com/advisory

08/10/2026

NODIH at IT Arena 2026: Contributing to the Defence Innovation Dialogue

At IT Arena 2026 in Lviv, Oleh Duma, Investment Validation Director at NODIH, joined a panel discussion about the future of Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem, exploring its current state, key challenges, and opportunities for further development, with a particular focus on defence tech.

Ukraine has built a strong environment for launching defence tech startups. The next major challenge is scaling these innovations into sustainable businesses. This was one of the central topics of the discussion, along with three key takeaways:

1. From innovation to scale. Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to develop innovative defence solutions. Now, the focus needs to shift towards helping startups and SMEs scale production, strengthen their operations, and reach new markets.

2. Staying close to the military. Direct connections with military units and structured battlefield feedback are critical for developing technologies that meet real operational needs. Strong networks between developers, military users, and other industry stakeholders make this possible.

3. Strengthening the ecosystem. Universities, research institutions, and academic clusters have an important role to play through access to laboratories, expertise, and R&D infrastructure. Local authorities and military-focused NGOs can also help build stronger connections between defence companies, the Ministry of Defence, military units, and investors.

Thanks to the IT Arena team for bringing together such a great group of people, an engaging discussion, and a valuable exchange of perspectives on the future of Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem.

08/10/2026

Germany Creates First Dedicated Drone Regiment – Structural Shift in European Defence Tech

Germany will stand up the Bundeswehr’s first independent drone regiment in 2027, assigned to the divisional troops of the 10th Panzer Division. The unit will consolidate unmanned capabilities from close combat out to roughly 500 km, integrating an electromagnetic-warfare company and dedicated counter-drone functions.

Initial operating capability is planned with around 300 personnel, growing to approximately 600. Beyond operations, the regiment will serve as a testbed to experiment with drone warfare concepts and quickly disseminate lessons across the wider army. If successful, similar formations could be replicated in other German divisions.

The Bundeswehr is also preparing to embed unmanned systems into reconnaissance, anti-tank and armoured units. Brigade 45, earmarked for Lithuania, may receive dedicated counter-drone capability before deployment, indicating that UAS and C-UAS are becoming integral to force design, not bolt-on extras.

For the European defence-tech ecosystem, this is more than a single procurement story. Germany is anchoring drones, counter-UAS and electronic warfare in its permanent force structure, signalling recurring demand for:
- Long-range strike and ISR platforms (up to 500 km)
- Robust, resilient communications and autonomy
- Sensor fusion and targeting
- Counter-drone and electromagnetic-warfare solutions
- Training, software, lifecycle support and upgrades

For founders, this points to sustained opportunities in modular payloads, autonomy stacks, EW/C-UAS, and training/maintenance tooling. For investors, it underlines a shift from one-off programmes to structural, repeatable spending lines. For procurement stakeholders, it highlights the need for scalable, upgradable architectures and interoperable systems.

At NODIH, we are tracking these structural moves to help align founders, investors and procurement with the next wave of European defence-tech requirements. Connect with us to discuss where your capabilities fit.

Read more: https://www.hartpunkt.de/deutsches-heer-stellt-2027-selbststaendiges-drohnenregiment-als-divisionstruppenteil-auf/

01/10/2026

General Cherry–Patria deal underlines Finland’s coordinated drone strategy

Ukrainian unmanned systems manufacturer General Cherry and Finnish defence prime Patria have signed a memorandum/letter of intent to jointly develop and produce drones in Finland, in a ceremony attended by Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Alexander Stubb. The agreement was signed at Denmark’s DALO Industry Days, with production to be localized on Finnish soil.

Patria brings more than a century of defence manufacturing across land, maritime, and air domains, with established export relationships and licensing infrastructure in the Nordic region. General Cherry contributes combat-proven capabilities in strike FPVs, fibre‑optic drones, interceptor drones and fixed‑wing UAVs, plus a track record of rapid iteration using battlefield data, including top E‑points performance in Ukraine’s Delta situational awareness system in July.

Both sides explicitly frame the partnership around a shared security context: Finland and Ukraine facing the same aggressor. The vision is to pair Ukrainian operational experience and AI‑enabled systems development with Western industrial scale to “fundamentally transform” European and global security architecture.

The timing, just days after the Innokas–Airlogix agreement, confirms that Finland’s drone push is a broader national strategy rather than a one‑off. General Cherry now has structurally similar deals with both a contract manufacturer and an established defence prime, signalling that Ukrainian drone IP is attracting interest across the value chain.

For founders and investors, the model emerging in Finland is a two‑way technology transfer: Ukrainian firms gain NATO‑standard scale, resilient production geography and EU export access; Finnish partners gain combat‑validated designs that would be costly and slow to reproduce alone. For procurement, this structure localizes critical capabilities inside the EU/NATO perimeter while tapping real battlefield learning.

If you’re building, investing in, or procuring defence tech in Europe, this is a partnership template to study closely.

Read more: https://www.uasvision.com/2026/08/26/finlands-patria-partners-with-ukrainian-drone-manufacturer-general-cherry/

27/09/2026

EU Approves Additional €6.1 Billion for Ukraine Air & Missile Defense – Implications for European Defense Tech

The European Commission has approved a further €6.1 billion in defense-specific funding for Ukraine, drawn from the existing €90 billion EU loan facility. The funds are earmarked for air and missile defense systems, missiles, am******on and radar — directly targeting Russia’s intensified ballistic-missile and jet-engine-drone campaign.

Crucially for the ecosystem, the Commission specified that most of this procurement will be sourced from European defense companies. This continues a clear pattern from the SAFE loan program and the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal: channeling Ukraine-directed spending to deliberately scale EU defense-manufacturing capacity rather than relying on non-European primes.

For founders, this reinforces demand for air defense, missile, radar, counter-drone and sensor-fusion technologies integrated into European supply chains. Interoperability with existing EU systems and rapid integration into Ukrainian operations will be key differentiators.

For investors, the message is policy visibility: EU defense-financing for Ukraine has evolved into a recurring, multi‑billion‑euro cadence, not a one‑off crisis measure. This creates a more predictable revenue pipeline around which European manufacturers can plan capex and hiring — structurally lowering risk and improving the investment case across the sector.

For procurement leaders, sourcing constraints and urgency (376 missile strikes recorded in June) mean an accelerated focus on European-origin systems that can be fielded quickly. Vendors able to scale production and meet EU-origin requirements are likely to gain share.

NODIH is closely tracking these shifts and their impact on European defense tech builders and backers. If you’re developing or investing in air defense, counter‑drone, or sensing solutions in Europe, now is the time to position.

👉 Connect with NODIH to align your strategy with this evolving EU defense landscape.

Read more: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/08/24/we-are-stepping-up-eu-approves-61-billion-for-ukraines-defences

24/09/2026

For defence companies, military feedback is most valuable when the experience behind it matches the technology and the decision being made.

An FPV operator, an EW specialist, an infantry officer and a military instructor may all have relevant battlefield experience — but they bring very different perspectives to product development.

This is why NODIH Advisory starts with the company’s technology, development stage and key questions before selecting the experts involved. We match each challenge with military professionals whose operational background is directly relevant to the discussion.

That allows product and R&D teams to address questions such as:

• Does the technology solve a real operational problem?
• How would it perform in realistic operating conditions?
• What could limit adoption, usability or deployment?
• Which capabilities should be prioritised in further development?
• Where could operational feedback change the R&D roadmap?

The value is not simply access to military expertise. It is relevant operational expertise applied to specific product decisions.

Tell us what expertise your product requires.

Read more: https://www.nodih.com/advisory

18/09/2026

A defence product can take months or even years to develop, test and bring to the user. The battlefield changes much faster.

Threats evolve, tactics adapt, technologies are modified and military priorities shift. This means that feedback collected a year ago may no longer fully reflect what users need today.

For defence companies, staying connected to current operational reality cannot be a one-time exercise. Regular access to military perspectives helps companies understand what is changing, which new challenges are emerging and whether their product development priorities still match real operational needs.

NODIH Advisory helps defence companies maintain this connection with the Ukrainian military environment and bring current perspectives into development decisions. The goal is not to predict every change, but to regularly test whether the assumptions behind a product still reflect the environment it is being built for.

Current insight supports current decisions.

Keep your assumptions aligned with current reality.

Read more: https://www.nodih.com/advisory

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