Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton launches factory in Slovakia.
Ukrainian company Skyeton, which manufactures drones, has opened a new factory in Slovakia. It has attracted $3.5 million in investments.
According to Defence Industry Europe, Raybird systems in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine cost $1.2 million and include several components such as drones, a ground control station, an antenna system, a launcher, a camera, a photo camera, and a radar. These drones can stay in the air for up to 28 hours, fly 2500 km, and ascend to an altitude of up to 4500 meters.
Raybird by Skyeton is one of the few drones in the world with such characteristics, yet it is more economically advantageous than its global counterparts.
From February 2022 to May 2024, Skyeton received orders for more than 75 reconnaissance systems from the Ukrainian armed forces. Production at the new plant in Slovakia began in the spring of 2024. After the investment round is completed, the plant's capacity is planned to be increased fourfold.
The company's founder, Oleksandr Stepura, stated that investments in the new Slovak factory amounted to $3.5 million.
Skyeton in Ukraine is capable of producing around 100 systems per year, while the military's needs are at least 140 systems per year. The new plant in Slovakia helps to meet the demand and provides a strategic advantage. Unlike Ukraine, where martial law is in place and the export of Raybird is restricted, there are no such restrictions in Slovakia. This opens opportunities for Skyeton in the global market and expands its client base.
Thanks to the new plant in Slovakia, Skyeton can increase its production capabilities and meet the demand for advanced reconnaissance drones both domestically and internationally.
Source: Espresso
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