Sydney counter-drone developer DroneShield has announced plans to expand its operations in Europe and support defence programs such as ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030.
The Australian CUAS technology company has announced work to establish a European manufacturing and in-house assembly facility, its first outside of Australia.
The expansion includes plans to establish a new sales hub and create a second manufacturing line for select hardware, with at least 65 percent European-based industry content for certain products sold in the region. The local manufacturing program is expected to bring further demand through qualifying the company for additional deals.
DroneShield’s ongoing experience makes it an ideal fit to support Europe’s renewed defence efforts, according to chief executive officer Oleg Vornik. “We haven’t only supplied technology in Ukraine, we’re in ongoing discussions with frontline soldiers through our new Sydney headquarters, updating their devices to counter new Russian drone attacks,” said Vornik.
“This battleground has become ever more important to our European allies as they rapidly expand their defence capabilities. That defence must be centred around the modern threats of warfare which we’re engaged with daily, even using AI to significantly advance counterdrone capabilities by accurately identifying, tracking, and classing drones.
“Establishing a robust European supply chain to support equipment sold in the region will strengthen sovereign capability, while DroneShield’s experienced Australian software development team will continue to deliver critical updates that address emerging threats faced by customers not only in Ukraine but worldwide.”
“Australia’s national defence spend is expected to double over the next decade to $100 billion in FY34. “DroneShield continues to invest in providing leading-edge sovereign capabilities for Australia’s interests while ensuring we are equipped to meet demand from our nation’s allies across the globe.”
The expansion comes as Europe enacts its $1.4 trillion ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 plan to become more militarily self-reliant and counter the threat from Russia.
Europe is currently one of the company’s largest geographical segments, with more than $500 million across dozens of opportunities. It also follows DroneShield recently completing an $8.2 million order with a major European military customer for dismounted and vehicle-mounted counter-unmanned systems, its fourth successful order from the customer.
The company has also announced plans to continue to build its European team in line with the expansion, adding to the highly experienced CUAS experts it has on the ground. Meanwhile in Australia, the company will also expand its Australian assembly facilities, which support Australia’s own rise in modern defence capabilities alongside allies across the globe.
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