Ukraine's General Cherry, Croatia's ORQA to expand production in both countries

Ukrainian defense tech company General Cherry and Croatian drone and equipment maker ORQA have signed a memorandum officially launching cooperation and announced plans to expand production capacity in both Ukraine and Croatia, the Ukrainian company's press service told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

"We are launching a major and exciting partnership with a company that has ten years of experience and leading expertise in the UAV industry. Our goal is shared and clear: to build a new architecture of European and global security together. Our unique Ukrainian experience and ORQA's technological expertise are a perfect match. We are ready to change the game," General Cherry co-founder Yaroslav Hryshyn said.

The companies will first begin building major component production facilities in Ukraine. Under the Build in Ukraine program, they plan to construct an underground plant to produce various UAV components and peripherals. In addition, joint serial production will be launched in Croatia, where advanced drone technologies will be developed, the statement said.

The aim of the cooperation is full localization of component production in Ukraine and reducing dependence on foreign supplies. The companies also aim to help rearm NATO countries and strengthen the technological capabilities of Ukraine's Defense Forces.

"This moment marks an important step forward for both sides and is driven by a shared commitment to strengthening the future security system of all Alliance member states. Ukraine's real battlefield experience, combined with ORQA's highly advanced technical capabilities, creates a partnership with exceptional potential. By joining forces, we aim not only to take part in shaping the future of security, but to actively transform it," ORQA co-founder and CEO Srdjan Kovacevic said.

General Cherry Corp. has 33 codified products in its portfolio, including FPV drones and interceptor drones. It was the first company in Ukraine to receive AQAP 2110 certification, confirming its quality management system meets NATO standards.

ORQA is Europe's largest UAV and drone component manufacturer, working with more than 50 countries worldwide, including 24 NATO members. The company says its products are made entirely without components from other countries.