Ukrainian DefenceTech company General Chereshnya and European UAV manufacturer ORQA have agreed on a strategic partnership aimed at building manufacturing infrastructure in Ukraine and expanding their presence in international markets. Under the signed memorandum, the companies plan to construct an underground facility in Ukraine to produce drone components and peripheral systems, while also setting up joint serial production in Croatia.
From an economic standpoint, the project forms part of a broader policy of defense-industrial localization and reducing reliance on imported components. The creation of an underground manufacturing site also reflects the industry’s adaptation to wartime risks and the need for protected infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted output. Localization is expected to reduce costs, shorten supply chains, and strengthen Ukraine’s technological independence.
At the same time, the launch of production in Croatia will provide access to EU and NATO markets and reinforce the export potential of the joint output. The partnership also envisages the development of new technological solutions in unmanned systems, which could enhance the global DefenceTech competitiveness of both companies.
The companies have already begun implementing the project, with the first jointly developed products expected in the near term. The partnership’s key objective is not only commercial performance, but also strengthening the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and NATO countries.
General Chereshnya has demonstrated rapid growth: in the first half of 2025, the company’s revenue reached UAH 1.5 billion, while its manufacturing capacity stood at around 50,000 drones per month. ORQA, which operates in more than 50 countries, including 24 NATO members, brings a strong technology base and produces equipment without Chinese components, further increasing the strategic value of the partnership.
Overall, the project lays the groundwork for the development of a high-tech defense cluster, the attraction of investment, and Ukraine’s integration into European manufacturing chains in the field of unmanned technologies.
