Ukraine’s leading interceptor drone developer General Cherry and ORQA, Europe’s largest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, are building an underground factory for drone components and peripherals in Ukraine under the country’s Build in Ukraine program, while simultaneously launching serial production in Croatia.
The deal marks another partnership for Ukrainian miltech manufacturers with Western defense players.
In the press release sent to reporters, General Cherry did not disclose the factory construction, announcing it in their Facebook post instead. At the same time, the parties also signed a memorandum of cooperation, General Cherry wrote in its press release. The deal will focus on the development and manufacture of interceptor drones, components, and other C-UAV systems.
The two companies wrote that “the ultimate goal is full localization of component production in Ukraine,” ending dependence on “foreign” suppliers. “ORQA products are made without any Chinese parts,” General Cherry wrote in its press release.
General Cherry was founded in September 2023 and focuses on first-person-view (FPV) drone production, including interceptor and fiber-optic models, supplying military units, volunteer organizations, regional military administrations, and state clients. The company posted revenue of Hr.657 million ($15.1 million) in 2024, with roughly one third coming from state procurement, according to DOU.
ORQA produces components and integrated systems for customers in over 50 markets worldwide, including 24 NATO member states, the press release says.