Finland to build drone factory for Ukraine and EU's needs

The main goal of the new plant is to rapidly expand the production capacity for drones used in the Ukrainian military, as well as to launch their mass production in Finland and Europe. The start of mass production of drones is scheduled for 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. Drones will become a permanent part of society, playing a vital role in securing critical societal functions across civilian, defense, and security sectors,” said Jussi Holopainen, CEO of Summa Defence Ltd.

To implement the project, Summa Defence is establishing a subsidiary, Summa Drones Ltd, which will lead a joint venture with Ukrainian partners. The Ukrainian participants include Kort, Elf Systems, Skyassist, and MPS Development. Production will include not only airborne but also ground and sea drones.

The establishment of the plant in Finland is seen as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the reliability of unmanned systems supplies both in Ukraine and internationally.

“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. Drones play a key role in protecting critical infrastructure and in emergency and rescue missions,” Holopainen added.

Weapons production in Ukraine

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine has significantly increased its defense production, including the production of drones, artillery shells, and other weapons.

In particular, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently announced the scale-up of mass production of Neptune missiles. They have been modernized to be used at longer distances.