On the anniversary of a date that once signaled a struggle for survival, the Ukrainian defense sector has marked a definitive shift toward global industrial integration. Four major Ukrainian defense manufacturers have signed a landmark package of agreements with partners from Denmark, Finland, and Latvia, totaling approximately €800 million.
The deals, facilitated under the “Build with Ukraine” framework, move beyond emergency procurement into long-term systemic cooperation, focusing on autonomous systems, land robotics, and missile technology.
Strategic Alliances: From UAVs to Cruise Missiles
The agreements outline a roadmap for scaling battle-proven Ukrainian tech within EU supply chains:
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Culver Aerospace (Ukraine) & Copenhagen Global A/S (Denmark): A massive five-year cooperation program dedicated to the production of two UAV classes—long-range strike systems (up to 2,500 km) and medium-range strike systems (up to 400 km).
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TENCORE (Ukraine) & INSTA (Finland): Strategic cooperation on the TerMIT robotic platform, focusing on the localized production of ground-based robots for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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Remtecnology (Ukraine) & New Paakkola Oy (Finland): The establishment of a joint venture in Finland to scale the LEGIT tactical multi-purpose robotic platform. The immediate goal is the production of 1,500 units, with capacity planned to increase in the coming years.
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Terminal Autonomy Ukraine (Ukraine) & SIA Baltic Forces (Latvia): A framework agreement covering reconnaissance and strike UAVs, as well as high-complexity cruise missiles and air defense solutions.
The “Build with Ukraine” Model in Action
This wave of partnerships validates the “Build with Ukraine” industrial strategy. Unlike traditional aid, this model focuses on creating production lines within partner nations, exporting Ukrainian battlefield-tested IP, and establishing joint ventures to diversify logistical risks.
Ihor Fedirko, Executive Director of The Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, highlighted the significance of the timing:
“It is symbolic that these signings took place on February 24. On a day that became a point of great trial for Ukraine, we are finally talking about scaling and systemic industrial cooperation with European partners. We deeply value this trust and are glad that the ‘Build with Ukraine’ model is working in practice”.
Scaling at Speed
The transition from one-off contracts to long-term industrial ties is seen as a move toward “technological independence” and the standardization of Ukrainian products for the international market.
Maksym Vasylchenko, CEO of TENCORE and representative of the Ukrainian Robotic Forces, emphasized the efficiency of this approach:
“Such partnerships represent strong positions and a more efficient use of resources, knowledge, and technology compared to working in isolation. In modern conditions, where speed has become a critical factor, production cooperation is often the key to success”.
Outlook for 2026
The €800 million investment package signals that the European defense industry is increasingly looking to Ukraine not just for combat lessons, but for scalable hardware. By integrating into EU industrial chains and adopting European quality compliance, Ukrainian manufacturers are positioning themselves as permanent fixtures in the global security architecture.
