Lithuanian defense technology company Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS), which develops unmanned systems for reconnaissance and precision strikes, has launched operations in Ukraine through a new Ukrainian-Lithuanian joint venture, UDS Ukraine. The company plans to establish direct cooperation with Ukraine’s Defense Forces, local technology teams, and other participants in the defense sector.
As UDS announced on October 6, the establishment of the joint venture will enable the company to maintain a permanent presence in Ukraine and work directly with military units operating its unmanned systems. The Ukrainian team will be responsible for product deployment and support, operator training, and engagement with military personnel to collect feedback on equipment performance in operational conditions.
UDS intends to leverage the experience of Ukrainian military personnel to improve its technologies and accelerate the adaptation of unmanned systems to evolving battlefield conditions. The company aims to move beyond its role as an external supplier and become more deeply integrated into Ukraine’s defense technology industry.
Stepan Veselovskyi has been appointed head and co-owner of UDS Ukraine. According to Veselovskyi, the joint venture is being established as a Ukrainian company that will operate in the local market and engage directly with military units and technology partners. The Lithuanian side of the project is supported by UDS co-founder and CEO Vytianis Buzas.
Unmanned Defense Systems develops integrated unmanned solutions combining aerial platforms with software for their operation and control. Its product portfolio includes the FORECASTER reconnaissance platform, the AVENGER 5 long-range strike drone, the HAULER multipurpose copter, and the SWARM C2 software platform for coordinating groups of unmanned systems.
According to UDS, its solutions are built on a common software architecture and can be integrated with third-party unmanned platforms and battlefield management systems. The company also employs a distributed manufacturing model, which it says enables production to scale in line with customer requirements.
The establishment of UDS Ukraine represents a continuation of the Lithuanian company’s cooperation with Ukraine’s defense sector. UDS now plans to collect feedback directly from end users in Ukraine, shortening the time between identifying military requirements and implementing technical improvements to its systems.
The company has not disclosed the financial terms of the joint venture, the ownership structure among its participants, or plans to establish drone manufacturing operations directly in Ukraine.
