Australian counter-drone technology company DroneShield is making a significant investment and expanding its operations in Europe to support the continent’s domestic defence programs, such as ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030.
DroneShield is working to establish a European manufacturing and in-house assembly facility, its first outside of Australia. The expansion includes plans to establish a new sales hub and create a second manufacturing line for select DroneShield hardware, with at least 65% European-based industry content for certain products sold in the region.
Europe is one of DroneShield’s largest geographical segments, with over AUD500 million across dozens of opportunities. The local manufacturing program is expected to bring further demand by qualifying the company for additional deals.
The expansion comes as Europe enacts its AUD1.4 trillion ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 plan to become more militarily self-reliant and counter Russia’s threat. DroneShield’s technology and best-in-class devices continue to play a major role in supporting Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War.
It also follows DroneShield recently completing an AUD8.2 million order with a major European military customer for dismounted and vehicle-mounted counter-unmanned systems, its fourth successful order from the customer. DroneShield’s ongoing experience makes it an ideal fit to support Europe’s renewed defence efforts, according to CEO Oleg Vornik.
“We haven’t only supplied technology in Ukraine; we’re in ongoing discussions with frontline soldiers through our new Sydney headquarters, updating their devices to counter new Russian drone attacks,” said Vornik.
“This battleground has become ever more important to our European allies as they rapidly expand their defence capabilities,” he added. “That defence must be centred around the modern threats of warfare which we’re engaged with daily, even using AI to significantly advance counterdrone capabilities by accurately identifying, tracking, and classing drones.
“Establishing a robust European supply chain to support equipment sold in the region will strengthen sovereign capability, while DroneShield’s experienced Australian software development team will continue to deliver critical updates that address emerging threats faced by customers not only in Ukraine but worldwide.”
DroneShield will continue to build its European team in line with the expansion, adding to the highly experienced experts it has on the ground. Meanwhile in Australia, the company will also expand its Australian assembly facilities, which support Australia’s rise in modern defence capabilities alongside allies across the globe.
Exports accounted for 91% of these facilities in 2024, proving it a vital example of the broader manufacturing capabilities Australia can deliver as it delivers its Future Made in Australia plan.
“Australia’s national defence spend is expected to double over the next decade to AUD100 billion in FY34,” added Vornik. “DroneShield continues to invest in providing leading-edge sovereign capabilities for Australia’s interests while ensuring we are equipped to meet demand from our nation’s allies across the globe.”
