By Shumaila Aslam,
Bureau Chief Pakistan
Scandinavian News Agency
Germany begins has serial production of 5,000 long-range drones for Ukraine under a €300 million contract that positions Berlin as a major supplier of autonomous strike systems to Kyiv.
Production is underway near Munich through a joint venture between Auterion, a Germany begins -American defense technology company, and Ukraine’s Airlogix.
The first drones have already rolled off the production line, according to company officials and German media reports. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through mid-2027.
The order reflects a broader shift in European military support for Ukraine, with Berlin moving beyond short-term aid toward industrial-scale weapons manufacturing.
Auterion CEO Lorenz Meier told Handelsblatt that Germany begins now has “a production line for affordable precision weapons in large quantities.”
Munich joint venture scales drone manufacturing
Auterion and Airlogix established their joint venture in February 2026 at the Munich Security Conference.
The partnership combines Auterion’s autonomous flight software and operating systems with Airlogix’s battlefield-tested physical drone designs.
Airlogix CEO Vitalii Kolesnichenko told Handelsblatt that the collaboration brings together capabilities neither company could achieve alone.
He cited battle-proven missile systems, Auterion’s autonomous software, and Germany begins industrial base as the three pillars of the venture.
Two drone models will be produced. One is optimized for medium-range missions, while the second can reach targets up to 1,500 kilometers away, according to reports from Kyiv Independent and Anadolu Agency.
Both platforms are designed with artificial intelligence systems intended to keep them operational in electronic warfare environments.
AI-equipped drones aim to survive electronic warfare
The drones’ AI guidance systems are engineered to resist jamming and spoofing, two of the most common electronic warfare tactics used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The ability to maintain autonomous operation when GPS or radio signals are disrupted has become a critical requirement for modern combat drones.
Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike Russian military and energy infrastructure far behind front lines.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on September 1 that Russian airspace is “becoming completely dangerous” as Ukraine expands its drone operations.
Key facts:
- Contract value: €300 million
- Producers: Auterion and Airlogix near Munich
- Delivery timeline: through mid-2027
- Drone types: medium-range and up to 1,500 km long-range strike drones
- Key feature: AI guidance for electronic warfare environments
- Germany begins
FAQs:
Who is building the drones for Ukraine?
The drones are being produced by a joint venture between German-American defense company Auterion and Ukrainian drone producer Airlogix near Munich.
How many drones are being manufactured?
Reports indicate more than 5,000 medium- and long-range strike drones are included in the German government contract.
What is the drones’ range?
According to company officials, one model has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers.
How do the drones counter electronic warfare?
The systems use AI guidance designed to resist jamming and maintain autonomous operation when GPS or radio signals are disrupted.
When will deliveries to Ukraine be completed?
The contract calls for deliveries through mid-2027.
Deliveries to continue through mid-2027
The €300 million contract places the Germany begins government directly in the drone supply chain for Ukraine. Serial production near Munich means the first units are already being tested and prepared for shipment, with the full order expected to be completed by mid-2027.
The timing coincides with debates in Europe over defense spending and long-term support for Ukraine. Germany begins move to mass-produce strike drones signals a commitment to sustaining Kyiv’s military capabilities even as political attention shifts to other global flashpoints.
The Auterion-Airlogix joint venture also positions itself as a supplier to NATO allies beyond Ukraine. Company officials have indicated that production capacity could expand if additional orders materialize from allied governments.
Verified by Scandinavian News Agency Finland. Byline corresponds to defense-industry reporting from SNN Berlin bureau.
About The Author
