WSJ: EU uses Ukraine's experience to strengthen NATO defence systems

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Western countries have been supplying Ukraine with modern weapons. Now, Ukrainian innovations are returning to Europe.

According to The Wall Street Journal, a Munich-based factory, Linza, has opened to produce drones based on Ukrainian designs.

These drones are equipped with electronic warfare protection modules and AI navigation, making them suitable for reconnaissance, supply delivery, and ground mine deployment. Some of the production will be sent to the frontlines, while the rest is destined for the European defence market.

European countries are increasingly adopting Ukrainian technologies to modernise NATO forces. The “Build With Ukraine” model combines subsidies with Ukrainian innovation, revitalising factories and creating new weaponry.

The Munich plant, inaugurated in February by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, is one of ten similar projects across Europe. Around 80% of the workforce are Ukrainians, including refugees. In addition, a partnership between Ukrainian company Airlogix and German firm Auterion has begun supplying AI-equipped drones to Kyiv and NATO capitals as early as April.

Despite destruction and power outages at home, Ukraine’s defence industry has developed new drones, maritime systems, and missiles over four years. Moving production to Europe allows for scaling output and reducing war-related risks, although industrial espionage remains a concern.

By Khagan Isayev