Summa Defence is establishing a drone production facility in Finland in collaboration with Ukrainian firms.
It intends to increase the production capacity of drones deployed in Ukraine and introduce industrial-scale drone production in Finland and across Europe, the Finnish defense and security technology firm stated.
Production is expected to start in the first half of 2025.
“The demand for drone technology and production capability is high. Drones will be delivered not only to Ukraine but also across the European Union and NATO countries,” Summa Defence CEO Jussi Holopainen said.
“Drones will become a permanent part of society, playing a vital role in securing critical societal functions across civilian, defense, and security sectors.”
Subsidiary
A subsidiary will be established for the production, which will then form a joint venture with Ukrainian partners Kort, Elf Systems, Skyassist, and MPS Development in Finland.
The subsidiary, Summa Drones, will have a majority ownership in the joint venture.
In addition to aerial drones, the venture will produce marine and land-based unmanned platforms. The drones have already been deployed in Ukraine.
“The drones which will become part of Summa Defence Group’s product portfolio through the joint venture have already demonstrated their importance and strategic capabilities in Ukraine,” Holopainen said.
“Drones play a key role in protecting critical infrastructure and in emergency and rescue missions. Establishing production in Finland enhances security of supply both in Ukraine and internationally.”
Finland’s Response to Ukraine War
In addition to the latest initiative, Helsinki plans to open a domestic TNT explosives factory in response to the high demand for explosives in Europe due to the Ukraine war.
The plan was announced in June, with production starting in a year or two.
Meanwhile, Finland’s overall military aid to Ukraine reached 2.3 billion euros ($2.43 billion) with the announcement of its 25th aid package in September.