TEKEVER’s AR3 small, long endurance uncrewed aerial system. Credit: TEKEVER

European uncrewed aerial systems company TEKEVER has established a new entity in Ukraine, following a collaboration with the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine. This initiative is designed to support the Ukrainian armed forces and strengthen European defence by tapping into regional innovation and expertise. The subsidiary will allow TEKEVER to increase its employee base and establish a network of Ukrainian facilities focused on maintenance, engineering support, research and development for new capabilities.

Leonardo has initiated a new programme in partnership with Form1 to foster collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK’s defence and security industry to drive innovation and growth. The SME Collaboration Partner Programme is set to operationalise a select number of long-term SME partnerships, providing focused support and ensuring alignment with Leonardo’s UK business objectives. A specialised team from both Leonardo and Form1 will steer this initiative.

EDGE, a technology and defence group, has joined forces with CMN NAVAL to establish a new shipbuilding joint venture (JV), named AD NAVAL, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The JV is set to capitalise on an existing non-Nato commercial order pipeline valued at approximately €7bn ($7.59bn). It focuses on the production of high-value, small to mid-size naval vessels such as corvettes, offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs), high-speed interceptors, trimarans, and landing craft.

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace is set to enter the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) marked by reaching a collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to develop and manufacture. With the global UAS market expected to grow to approximately Won5tn ($3.42bn) by 2040, Hanwha Aerospace is set to invest more than Won750bn in the development and production facilities for both the Gray Eagle short take-off and landing and UAS engines.