Ukrainian defense company General Cherry and Finnish defense group Patria have agreed to cooperate in the field of unmanned technologies. The parties plan to establish production of Ukrainian drones in Finland and jointly develop new unmanned systems for Ukraine and other European countries.
The agreement was announced by General Cherry’s press service. The partnership provides for the localization of Ukrainian unmanned technologies in Finland and the use of Patria’s industrial infrastructure to scale up production.
General Cherry believes that cooperation with one of Northern Europe’s largest defense manufacturers will significantly expand the company’s production capabilities and accelerate the entry of Ukrainian technologies into the European market.
“Patria has been operating in the defense industry for more than 100 years, owns half of Nammo and manufactures equipment for land, naval and air systems across Europe. This infrastructure will now be complemented by our experience in the mass production of drones for real combat missions and rapid development cycles based on frontline data,” the Ukrainian company said.
The agreement between the Ukrainian and Finnish defense companies was also discussed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who was visiting Kyiv.
The two heads of state took part in a roundtable focused on strengthening Ukrainian-Finnish cooperation in the defense industry. According to Zelenskyy, the agreements reached extend beyond drone production.
“Our companies signed documents on the development and production in Finland of drones for the needs of Ukraine and Europe, the expansion of capabilities in the field of unmanned maritime systems, and the establishment of an enterprise producing unmanned ground systems,” the Ukrainian president said.
The cooperation between General Cherry and Patria therefore envisages the establishment of a production base in Finland for Ukrainian unmanned technologies, with the potential for further expansion of output. The project is also expected to support the joint development of new solutions tailored to the needs of European defense agencies.
General Cherry is a Ukrainian miltech company and manufacturer of unmanned systems established after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The company specializes, among other areas, in the development of interceptor drones and counter-UAV systems for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Its Bullet platform is already being deployed in combat conditions.
The company has demonstrated significant production volumes. In the first half of 2025, its revenue amounted to approximately UAH 1.5 billion, while monthly output reached around 50,000 drones. Establishing a production facility in Finland could enable the company to scale manufacturing beyond Ukraine and bring production closer to European customers.
Patria Oyj is a Finnish defense group specializing in the development and production of military equipment and systems, as well as maintenance services for weapons systems and military aviation. The Finnish government owns 50.1% of Patria, while the remaining 49.9% is held by Norway’s Kongsberg. Patria is also a co-owner of ammunition manufacturer Nammo.
Patria’s product portfolio includes the Patria AMV 8x8 and Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers, NEMO and AMOS automated mortar systems, as well as solutions in aviation, artillery, electronic warfare and unmanned technologies. The company also provides maintenance services for F/A-18 Hornet and F-35 aircraft.
Cooperation with General Cherry expands the presence of Ukrainian defense technologies within Europe’s industrial supply chain while providing Patria with access to the Ukrainian manufacturer’s technologies and operational expertise gained during the full-scale war.
