Finland to set up joint drone production with Ukraine

The Finnish defense and security technology group Summa Defence Ltd, in cooperation with Ukrainian partners, is setting up a drone manufacturing plant in Finland.

The purpose of the plant is to rapidly increase production capacity for drones used in the Ukrainian military, as well as to introduce industrial drone production in Finland and Europe, the company reported.

The first half of 2025 will see the start of large-scale drone production.

“The demand for drone technology and production capacity is high. Ukraine, along with the entire European Union and NATO countries, will receive drone supplies. Drones will become a permanent part of society, playing a vital role in providing critical societal functions in the civilian, defense, and security sectors,” said Jussi Holopainen, CEO of Summa Defence Ltd.

The first drone production plant is a strategic investment for which Summa Defense will establish a subsidiary, Summa Drones Ltd. Summa Drones will then set up a joint venture in Finland with its Ukrainian partners, in which Summa Drones will have a majority stake. The Ukrainian companies participating in the joint venture are Kort, Elf Systems, Skyassist, and MPS Development.

In addition to manufacturing aerial drones, Summa Drones will also produce ground and maritime drones.

Earlier, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed media reports of Berlin’s intention to transfer a batch of 4,000 artificially intelligent drones to Ukraine, which can very effectively hit targets at a long distance.