Espreso. Global
Review

Ukrainian manufacturers push to lift arms export ban to defeat Russia. Serhiy Zgurets' column

13 December, 2024 Friday
12:31

It's essential to ramp up production of long-range missiles and drones, whether domestically or in partnership with global defense companies. Summa Defense is teaming up with Ukrainian partners to set up a UAV factory in Finland

client/title.list_title

First of all, I would like to congratulate Ukrainian soldiers on the Day of the Land Forces of Ukraine. They are the largest branch of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the heroes who hold back the enemy on the front line with their character, skills and courage. I don't think any army in the world has such experienced ground troops.

Finnish company Summa Drones establishes joint venture with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers

Beyond heroism, weapons are essential. We rely on our capabilities and partner support. However, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated in a Times interview that he opposes sending missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory, referencing those supplied to Ukraine. In my opinion, such missiles are necessary to limit the enemy's ability to attack Ukraine.  

Therefore, it is crucial to develop domestic production of long-range missiles and drones or collaborate with international defense companies. Finnish defense group Summa Defense has joined this effort, planning a UAV factory in Finland in partnership with Ukrainian firms. This includes air, ground, and naval drone systems. Summa Defense is creating a subsidiary, Summa Drones, to collaborate with Ukrainian companies like KORT, Skyassist, and MPS Development, which develop drones, components, and software for Ukraine's Defense Forces.

Ukrainian technologies belong only to Ukraine

Vadym Kodachyhov, Director of KORT and former commander of a unit in Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade, noted significant global interest in Ukrainian military technologies. This interest prompted Summa Defense to collaborate with Ukrainian manufacturers. Kodachyhov mentioned that the Finnish proposal was not the only one and clarified that KORT specializes in developing communication tools, UAVs, and anti-drone systems. He added that KORT and Summa Defense are establishing a joint venture based on two key positions.

First, Ukrainian technologies will not be transferred to anyone; they remain the property of Ukrainian companies. Under the partnership terms, the companies will establish an assembly line that enables the Finnish army to incorporate Ukrainian technologies for its needs. Kodachyhov noted that their systems will equip the armies of all countries bordering Russia, allowing them to effectively defend against Russia and deliver a strong response in the event of aggression.

Second, a key condition for establishing joint ventures with any countries assisting Ukraine is that part of the weaponry produced, such as in Finland with Summa Defense, must be purchased by the Finnish side for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The state should allow the export of Ukrainian weapons

Vadym Kodachyhov emphasized that the main issue remains the state's lack of understanding that funding should go to manufacturers, not importers, who are merely logistics companies. Ukrainian firms cannot compete with Chinese producers in terms of quantity. According to him, this war against Russia cannot be won by numbers alone. If Ukraine buys 1,000 drones from China, Russia will purchase 10,000. Therefore, Ukraine must focus on technology, which is perhaps the only chance to win this war.  

To achieve this, the state must support manufacturers who design and produce drones. Kodachyhov noted that Ukrainian producers reinvest all their earnings into new developments to enhance the efficiency of the Defense Forces. One reason for this is that every manufacturer understands the importance of competition.

Vadym Kodachyhov also mentioned that KORT has a contract with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. However, such a contract would sustain production for no more than 15 days. The enterprise's workload barely exceeds 10% due to insufficient work volumes. This is primarily because the state lacks the budget to fund purchases. According to Kodachyhov, the only solution to this problem is lifting the ban on arms exports.

TerMIT platform - a robotic system that facilitates military work on the front line

Maxym Vasylchenko, co-founder and director of the ground robotic systems manufacturer Tencore, introduced the modular ground robotic platform TerMIT. The platform is primarily used for logistical tasks, such as transporting cargo via remote control, ensuring maximum safety for military personnel. Vasylchenko added that the platform can also be utilized for engineering tasks and as a remote-controlled turret.

                                                                                                                            TerMIT platform, photo: tencore.com.ua

Maxym Vasylchenko shared how they managed to rapidly scale up the production of the TerMIT platform. He noted that he and his partners have long been involved in the machinery industry, providing them with extensive experience in scaling developments. However, they were unprepared for the fast-changing dynamics of the battlefield and the rapid evolution of technologies. Vasylchenko emphasized that the company is still adapting to these changes, with key ideas and innovations coming directly from soldiers on the front lines.

Maxym Vasylchenko explained that the modular design of the TerMIT platform allows for customizable tactical and technical specifications. For instance, its range can be adjusted to suit specific battlefield tasks. Additionally, any type of communication system can be installed on the platform, ensuring that enemy forces cannot intercept frequencies while enabling Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel to utilize their existing communication tools or engineering solutions.

Tencore is to receive its first contract from the state

Maksym Vasylchenko said that today the main customers of the TerMIT platform are the Kolo Foundation and the Come Back Alive Foundation of Taras Chmut, the charity foundation of Serhiy Prytula, and businesses that want to help the army. Vasylchenko said that the company has no contracts or agreements with the Ministry of Defense, and that negotiations are underway with the SSSCIP. A number of bureaucratic issues are being resolved, as Vasylchenko noted that the state was not ready for war. Vasylchenko expressed hope that the company would receive its first contract with the State Special Communications Service by the end of the year. According to him, the Association of Robotic Forces of Ukraine has been created on the part of developers, and therefore manufacturers and developers will try to cooperate with the state more fruitfully and effectively.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Sunday
26 January
17:51
OPINION
Trump’s Russia sanctions: strategic play for oil, gas, and economic power
17:16
Russia faces growing economic instability as sanctions lead to massive capital flight
16:49
"100-day peace plan" is Russian disinformation — Zelenskyy's aide
16:18
OPINION
Defense Ministry conflict exposes systemic decay and neglect
15:52
Ukrainian Navy shows how APKWS laser-guided rocket downs Russian missile
15:26
Exclusive
Judicial reform is Ukraine's key obstacle to EU integration — MEP Michael Gahler
14:50
Ukraine's Defense Forces, HUR strike Ryazan oil refinery, Russian army fuel supplier
14:22
Russia drops 6 guided bombs on Beryslav hospital, injuring medics
13:51
OPINION
Ukraine has moral right to talk about restarting international institutions
13:17
Exclusive
Ukraine can halt Russian offensive, counterattack on some frontlines — General Malomuzh
12:48
OPINION
Russia needs talks on a "quick peace"
12:23
167 frontline combat clashes, 52 in Pokrovsk direction – General Staff
11:59
Ukraine to amend laws on 18- 25-year-olds in the Armed Forces
11:33
Exclusive
New U.S. aid packages to Ukraine could be trump card in Trump-Putin talks — journalist Portnikov
11:16
Russia rebuilds Mariupol to hide thousands killed, like in Grozny — Zelenskyy
10:54
Russia loses 1,720 soldiers at frontlines in one day of war in Ukraine
10:31
Presidential “elections” start in Belarus
09:00
Interview
Ukraine to trigger economic growth in other countries – MEP Michael Gahler on European integration
2025, Saturday
25 January
19:50
Ukraine is ready to supply Europe with Azerbaijani gas instead of Russian gas
19:25
Exclusive
Major carve-up of world has already begun - Polish politician Czech
19:06
Zelenskyy names potential participants of future peace talks with Russia
18:45
How U.S. energy policies could cripple Russia’s oil exports
18:20
Updated
Zelenskyy and Sandu's deal: coal for electricity
17:55
Trump suspends programs to let in immigrants, including Ukrainians
17:27
Zelenskyy reveals why he banned negotiations with Russia at start of full-scale invasion
17:00
Exclusive
"Today, this is a different Trump," Polish politician says
16:36
Russia loots Ukrainian museums, digests occupied territories
16:10
Zelenskyy: American aid to Ukraine’s army is not stopped
15:45
"Only then can Europe truly negotiate": Polish minister urges EU to spend more on defense
15:17
OPINION
Battle for Trump
14:47
Exclusive
F-16s would be more effective with MiG-29 modernization
14:25
Updated
Attack drones hit Kyiv and Cherkasy regions, injuring child, damaging buildings
14:05
Review
Map of fighting in Russia's Kursk region, January 2025
Massive attacks on Russia become systemic, Kursk is priority for Russians. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
13:30
Exclusive
Political scientist calls Kremlin's response to Trump's ultimatum ‘stalling tactics’
12:50
Exclusive
North Korean troops launch group assaults in Kursk region, reports Ukrainian officer
12:20
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
Critical situation near Velyka Novosilka as Russian forces tighten the ring
11:45
U.S. State Department suspends foreign aid. This may affect Ukraine
10:45
Ukrainian air defense forces shoot down 2 guided missiles and 46 UAVs
10:20
Russia loses 1,650 soldiers, 37 armored vehicles, 14 artillery systems per day - Ukraine's General Staff
2025, Friday
24 January
21:10
OPINION
Repressions against military: Pandora's Box
More news