Build with Ukraine: Wingcopter and TAF Industries Establish Joint Venture to Scale Production of Reconnaissance Drones in Germany for Ukraine

Why It Matters

The deal secures a critical ISR drone supply line for Ukraine while bolstering Europe’s defence industrial base and creating high‑skill jobs in Germany.

Key Takeaways

• Joint venture scales Ukrainian reconnaissance drones production in Germany
• TAF provides licensed designs; Wingcopter supplies manufacturing expertise
• Production shift enhances supply resilience amid wartime disruptions
• Initiative strengthens German‑Ukrainian defence cooperation under Build with Ukraine
• Future UAVs will be co‑developed for NATO and European markets

Pulse Analysis

The protracted conflict in Ukraine has turned unmanned aerial systems into a cornerstone of modern battlefield intelligence. As frontline units rely on real‑time ISR, the demand for reliable reconnaissance drones has outpaced the production capacity of domestic Ukrainian factories, which operate under constant threat of air strikes and supply interruptions. Relocating a portion of that output to Germany mitigates these risks by leveraging the country's stable logistics network, skilled workforce, and robust export infrastructure. This geographic shift not only safeguards the flow of critical equipment but also aligns with broader EU strategies to reinforce defence self‑sufficiency.

The joint venture between Wingcopter and TAF Industries merges complementary strengths: TAF contributes battle‑tested UAV designs that have already proven effective in combat zones, while Wingcopter offers a mature manufacturing platform and engineering know‑how honed on commercial delivery and surveying missions. Operating under the ‘Build with Ukraine’ framework, the partnership will establish a dedicated production line in Germany, enabling rapid scaling to meet both Ukrainian and NATO requirements. Moreover, the collaboration creates high‑skill jobs in the German aerospace sector and embeds Ukrainian innovation within a resilient Western supply chain.

Beyond immediate wartime needs, the alliance signals a strategic pivot toward a more integrated European defence industrial base. By co‑developing next‑generation UAVs for NATO members, the venture positions both firms to capture emerging market opportunities in autonomous surveillance, cargo transport, and electronic warfare. The joint effort also serves as a template for future cross‑border defence projects, demonstrating how shared intellectual property and joint manufacturing can reduce duplication and accelerate technology transfer. In a climate of escalating geopolitical tension, such resilient, collaborative models are likely to become a cornerstone of Europe’s security architecture.

Build with Ukraine: Wingcopter and TAF Industries establish Joint Venture to scale production of reconnaissance drones in Germany for Ukraine

Press

German drone pioneer Wingcopter and Ukraine’s largest producer of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) TAF Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intent to establish a joint venture. The MoU was formally signed today at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in the presence of government representatives from both Ukraine and Germany.

The joint venture is designed to strengthen the resilience of critical defence production for Ukraine, ensure continuity of supply under wartime conditions, and diversify industrial risks by expanding manufacturing capacity into a safer and more resilient industrial environment in Germany. At the same time, it establishes a long‑term framework for German–Ukrainian industrial cooperation in defence technologies that are already proven in real combat conditions. This partnership will be formed under the „Build with Ukraine“ framework.

Under the joint venture, TAF Industries will provide licensed designs and operational expertise for its reconnaissance UAV systems that have been extensively used in real operational environments. Wingcopter will contribute industrial infrastructure, manufacturing expertise, and engineering capabilities to enable rapid scaling of production in Germany.

In this context, Wingcopter’s expansion into the security and defence sector through its newly established Wingcopter Security & Defence (WSD) unit provides a strong industrial and technological backbone for the joint venture. WSD complements Wingcopter’s existing commercial delivery and surveying activities with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and cargo applications, unlocking the full potential of Wingcopter’s proven dual‑use platform and intellectual property.

Beyond current systems, the partners plan to jointly develop and localise future UAV platforms for the European and NATO markets with the aim of further strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing overall security and resilience.

Volodymyr Zinovskyi, CEO of TAF Industries, said:

“This cooperation is about responsibility, resilience, and strategic growth. For TAF Industries, scaling the production of systems already saving lives on the frontline is a top priority. This joint venture combines our battlefield‑proven innovation with Germany’s industrial strength, turning operational expertise into scalable manufacturing. We are ready to share our unique combat‑driven experience with our partners to strengthen collective resilience and build a stronger defense ecosystem together.”

Tom Plümmer, Co‑Founder and CEO of Wingcopter, added:

“Wingcopter has been developing leading drone technology and in‑depth know‑how for more than ten years. We are proud to partner with one of Ukraine’s strongest defence tech companies to leverage these powerful skills to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom – at an industrial scale. Together with TAF Industries, we are building a sustainable industrial bridge between Germany and Ukraine. Importantly, this will also secure and create jobs across Germany as well as contribute to Europe’s security and resilience.”