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Press release
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UDS Launches Operations in Ukraine
From satellites in space to scalable defense systems, Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS) brings proven deep-tech experience and a long-term commitment to Ukraine.
From satellites in space to scalable defense systems, Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS) brings proven deep-tech experience and a long-term commitment to Ukraine.
KYIV, Ukraine — 2026 October 6
Lithuanian defense technology company Unmanned Defense Systems is launching operations in Ukraine through a newly established Ukrainian joint venture, creating a permanent presence to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities and build long-term cooperation with the country’s defense forces, technology companies and partners.
UDS develops integrated unmanned mission systems spanning intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), precision strike and command-and-control. Built around battle-validated products, shared software and open architecture, its mission systems are designed for interoperability, rapid adaptation and production at scale.
“Ukraine has fundamentally changed the speed at which defense technology must evolve,” said Vytenis J. Buzas, co-founder and CEO of UDS. “By establishing a permanent presence in Ukraine, we want to bring our technology, engineering experience and systems approach closer to the people who need these capabilities. Our ambition is not simply to supply products, but to build a long-term presence and contribute to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.”
The establishment of UDS Ukraine also reflects the growing defense and technology cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine.
“For companies working in the defence industry, being present in Ukraine is no longer an option, but a necessity. This is where technologies can be tested, refined and developed in response to real battlefield needs. That is why we welcome UDS’s decision to establish a presence in Ukraine, work directly with Ukrainian partners and develop solutions shaped by those on the front lines.” said Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine.
Building in Ukraine
The creation of UDS Ukraine reflects a broader commitment to becoming part of Ukraine’s defense technology ecosystem rather than operating solely as an external supplier.
The Ukrainian team will work directly with Ukrainian defense users and partners, supporting product deployment, operator training and ongoing cooperation with military units. This permanent presence is intended to provide Ukrainian users with closer access to UDS expertise and shorten the path between operational requirements, technical solutions and their deployment.
At the same time, Ukraine’s unique operational experience will provide critical feedback for the continued development of UDS systems. By combining UDS engineering capabilities with the experience of Ukrainian defense users, the company aims to develop solutions that respond to rapidly changing battlefield requirements.
“We don’t want to be a foreign company that simply sells its systems into Ukraine. We are building UDS Ukraine as a Ukrainian company – one that understands the local market, works directly with the military and becomes part of Ukraine’s defense technology industry,” said Stepan Veselovskyi, CEO, Co-owner of UDS Ukraine. “And the potential of UDS in Ukraine goes far beyond the products we have today. Behind UDS is a team with experience in building complex technology systems – from unmanned platforms to space technology. This is the level of expertise and ambition we want to bring to Ukraine.”
From Space Technology to Defense
Before UDS, Vytenis J. Buzas initiated and led Lithuania’s first national satellite mission, LituanicaSAT-1. Following the mission’s success, he co-founded NanoAvionics and led the company as CEO, growing it into one of Europe’s leading small-satellite companies.
In 2022, Norwegian technology group KONGSBERG acquired a 77% controlling stake in NanoAvionics in a transaction valuing the company at €65 million.
Žilvinas Kvedaravičius, now a co-founder of UDS, played a key role in NanoAvionics’ international growth, spending more than seven years developing its international business and later serving as interim CEO.
“Space taught us to think in systems, not individual products,” said Kvedaravičius. “A satellite only works when hardware, software, communications and mission control work together. We are applying that same systems approach to defense — at a dramatically faster development cycle.”
Products used in the mission
About Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS)
Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS) is a Lithuanian defense technology company building scalable mission systems through battle-validated products, shared software and sovereign production.UDS mission systems combine FORECASTER, an ISTAR UAV platform; AVENGER 5, a precision strike UAV; HAULER, a multi-payload UAV; and SWARM C2, a command-and-control software platform in an open, interoperable ecosystem designed to integrate with third-party platforms and battle management systems.
Through a distributed manufacturing model, UDS enables rapid production scaling, supports sovereign production and strengthens national defense industries.
UDS delivers sophisticated defense capability at speed, at scale and at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems.
