At the same time that the purchase of new IRIS-T systems to strengthen its air defense capabilities was confirmed, Ukraine also agreed to co-produce with Germany seven new types of combat drones with the aim of equipping its Armed Forces, consisting of systems manufactured by Ukrainian and German companies. According to information released by Kyiv through official channels, six of these new projects would correspond to aerial platforms, while the remaining one would be a support model for troops on the ground.
Expanding on the details, it can be noted that one of the projects included in this group of seven would be the so-called Linsa 3.0, developed jointly by the companies Frontline Robotics and Quantum Systems. It is a system defined by its manufacturers as a multifunctional logistics drone, capable of carrying up to 4 kilograms of payload over distances of up to 15 kilometers, with a flight endurance of around 60 minutes. According to the Ukrainian government, more than 10,000 units will be produced during the current year. Another of the models included in the package is the FPV KOLIBRI, a project capable of carrying out strike missions as well as serving as an interceptor.
In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to incorporate the new STRILA interceptors to contribute to the downing of Russian aerial threats, systems with a maximum speed of 415 kilometers per hour and specifically designed to neutralize highly maneuverable targets. Added to this list are also the new Babka drones, which would be integrated into Ukrainian ranks to strengthen battlefield reconnaissance capabilities.
On the other hand, the country will see its strike capabilities reinforced with the arrival of new Seth-X and Anubis drones. In the first case, we are referring to an asset designed to neutralize targets at short range, specifically infantry units, light armored vehicles, and logistical support vehicles. The latter are configured as a medium-range system that, in addition to the previously mentioned targets, would also be useful against installations and larger armored vehicles. Finally, the ground-based model selected by Ukraine would be the TerMit, whose all-terrain qualities facilitate its participation in evacuation and logistical support missions with a range of 40 kilometers.
Beyond the seven systems just listed, it is also worth highlighting that their production will imply a significant degree of partnership between German and Ukrainian companies, with more than six cooperation agreements already signed as part of the “Build with Ukraine” initiative. Briefly reviewing some of these associated companies, one can highlight the case of Germany’s Diehl Defence with Ukraine’s FirePoint and Luch, which agreed to expand technological cooperation, as well as the memorandum of understanding reached by TAF Industries and Thyra focused on the manufacture of interceptors, among other examples.
Zelensky’s visit to German territory
At this point, it should be mentioned that all of these developments took place in parallel with an official visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Germany, where he was able to meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz to see these new drones firsthand in a static display and discuss other issues linked to the long-term partnership. According to reports from German media outlets, one of the issues addressed was the growing number of Ukrainian men fleeing to Germany to avoid conscription, which weakens the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and generates greater social spending for its ally.
In addition, it was reported that both countries renewed agreements related to the reconstruction of Ukraine once the war is over, while also seeking to provide new demonstrations of German support for Ukraine’s attempt to join the European Union. In Chancellor Merz’s view, this would be a “strategically important step toward greater security and prosperity in Europe,” although he lowered expectations of membership in the near future. Other issues that were part of the conversation included, for example, plans to expand cooperation in the energy sector, while the Ukrainian presidency also reiterated its request for more resources to increase weapons production, even stating that the country could double its current levels if it receives greater support from its partners.
The search for more support in Europe
In addition to his official visit to Germany, the Ukrainian president and his entourage undertook a broader tour that took them to different European capitals in search of more support for the country, which has been fighting the Russian invasion since 2022. As in the meeting with Chancellor Merz, Zelensky focused his efforts on reaching cooperation agreements centered on the production of unmanned systems and the strengthening of air defense capabilities, two key factors in the course of the conflict.
Reviewing some of these visits, it is worth mentioning that the Ukrainian leader traveled to Norway to meet with his counterparts there, on which occasion the intention to move forward with a broader strategic partnership in defense matters and Oslo’s commitment to the PURL initiative were highlighted. In particular, Zelensky stated there that his country could offer support for the reconfiguration of European air defense networks, thanks to the fact that its troops have broad experience in modern combat and in technological developments especially aimed at countering drones.
The Ukrainian entourage also traveled to Italy, where the occasion was used to meet with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, with the aim of exploring new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and the continuation of the financial support provided by Rome. There, the Ukrainian leader stressed that his country was ready to work on agreements at both the bilateral and multilateral levels, among them the framework that will be provided by the instrument known as SAFE. Shortly afterward, Zelensky traveled to the Netherlands, where it was also agreed to move forward with the joint production of drones, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
Finally, it is worth highlighting that an important piece of defense-related news for Ukraine also emerged from the United Kingdom, namely the dispatch of what would be the largest drone package outlined since the beginning of the war. As Escenario Mundial reported on April 15, this would include more than 120,000 unmanned surveillance, strike, and logistics systems, which would be added to the more than 85,000 units delivered over the last six months, acquired in exchange for around 600 million pounds.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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