Russia wiretapping system seized at office of Ukrainian defense enterprise TechEx – statement

Agents of Russian special services placed wiretapping system and other special equipment in office of chief engineer of Ukrainian drone manufacturer TechEx.

In company statement published on Facebook and broadcast on Channel 24, it is said that SBU Counterintelligence Department prevented attempt by Russia’s agents to gain access to TechEx’s secret data.

It is noted that Russia’s agents sought to learn about engineering solutions, component supply chains, information about partners, and data on Ukrainian Defense Forces units working with TechEx products. As result of successful special operation, Russian special services received false data for long period, which made it possible to protect production facilities and secure critical data.

Company representative noted that preventing real leak of highly sensitive information was possible because State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Counterintelligence Department informed manufacturer of enemy’s intentions in advance. TechEx calls on Ukrainian weapons manufacturers to strengthen interaction with intelligence services for protection against technical and cyber threats.

"Today we managed to expose the enemy, but we understand that this is not his last attempt. All Ukrainian gunsmiths, their technologies, employees, suppliers and production facilities are under the target of Russian intelligence," he said.

Data that enemy tried to obtain is of critical importance not only for individual manufacturer, but for industry and Ukraine’s defense capability as whole. "We consider security of production, documentation, personnel data and partner networks as element of protecting our country’s technological independence. This time, coordinated work with SBU Counterintelligence Department made it possible to avoid data leak and use situation in state’s favor, as we leaked false information to the enemy. Today, for defense enterprises, issue of information security is just as important as issue of quality and pace of production," company statement says.

TechEx is Ukrainian defense company specializing in development and production of unmanned aerial systems, including FPV drones and interceptors. TechEx’s main products are Stalker line of fiber-optic drones (XO-10, XO-15) and Striker Mini interceptor designed to destroy enemy drones. Company uses advantages of fiber-optic communication, making their drones invulnerable to EW systems. This ensures stable control even in difficult combat conditions. Striker Mini interceptor strengthens capabilities to counter enemy UAVs, allowing for prompt detection and destruction of targets in air. In combination with FPV drones, this forms comprehensive approach to modern warfare.