A newly formed partnership is turning German industrial capacity into a major drone supply line for Ukraine, with artificial intelligence shaping battlefield resilience.
Serial production of more than 5,000 long-range combat drones for Ukraine has begun near Munich. German-American defense company Auterion and its Ukrainian partner in the Airlogix joint venture announced that the first drones have already been manufactured.
As reported by handelsblatt.com.
The German government’s order is expected to be completed by mid-2027. According to industry sources, it is worth approximately €300 million. The drones are part of Germany’s support for Ukraine, which has been resisting Russia’s full-scale aggression since 2022.
Production to be launched at two sites
The joint venture, founded only in February, is counting on receiving new orders and securing long-term contracts. In addition to an unnamed production site near Munich, the drones will also be manufactured at another location in eastern Germany.
Two types of unmanned aircraft are involved: one will have medium-range capabilities, while the other will be able to travel up to 1,500 kilometers.
Auterion is responsible for the drones’ software and operating system, while Airlogix supplies the hardware. In everyday usage, such unmanned aircraft are called kamikaze drones because they are equipped with explosives and are not designed to return after striking their targets.
Artificial intelligence is also being used in their development. It is intended to help the drones counter the effects of electronic warfare.
Germany now has a production line for affordable, high-precision strike systems that can be manufactured in large quantities. This year alone, we will deliver battle-tested and proven systems at a price and production rate that truly make it possible to build up substantial stocks for deterrence.
– Lorenz Mayer
This partnership brings together what neither company could achieve on its own: our battle-tested drones, Auterion’s autonomous software, and Germany’s industrial capabilities.
– Vitaliy Kolesnichenko
What is known about Auterion
German national Lorenz Mayer founded Auterion in Switzerland. The company’s headquarters are now located in the United States, while its German office is in Munich.
According to the company’s own figures, it employs around 300 people. In addition, employees of partner companies are involved in carrying out its projects. Auterion does not disclose its annual revenue, but a company representative said that it is profitable.
The launch of production is expected to strengthen Germany’s capacity to manufacture long-range unmanned systems and provide Ukraine with additional means of striking targets at considerable distances.