Finnish defense company Patria and Ukrainian drone maker General Cherry have signed a letter of intent to jointly develop unmanned systems and begin drone production in Finland, the companies announced Sunday.
The proposed collaboration combines General Cherry’s experience in small drones with Patria’s unmanned-technology capabilities and defense-industry experience. The companies said the partnership is intended to support the development of unmanned vehicles for Western European defense requirements.
Finnish production plans
Patria plans to establish drone production in Finland as part of the cooperation. According to the company, the effort would contribute to building European defense capabilities while supporting Patria’s objective of operating as an innovative product developer.
Unmanned defense systems are central to the future of defenses. The partnership with General Cherry further reinforces Patria’s expertise in unmanned defence systems and drone development.
Mikko Leino, Patria executive vice president for defense and weapon systems
The announcement did not specify which systems would be developed or produced in Finland. Patria did not immediately respond to questions on whether it would manufacture existing General Cherry drone models or when Finnish production could begin.
Ukrainian drone experience
General Cherry produces several types of drones, including one-way first-person-view strike drones and interceptor drones. The company says its products are used by more than 200 military units in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Our unique battlefield experience, combined with Patria’s technological capabilities, can help drive a fundamental transformation of the European and global security architecture.
Stanislav Hryshyn, General Cherry co-founder
The planned Finnish cooperation is part of a wider pattern of European defense-industrial engagement with Ukrainian drone manufacturers. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans in December to produce various Ukrainian drones in Germany, while Ukrainian UAV makers including Skyeton and Ukrspecsystems are partnering or investing in the United Kingdom for drone production there.
