Dorozvidka #45: Fedirko, Strix Air, Belbas, “Achilles”, “Phoenix”, “Velbot” and the DZHANKOI UGV

The past week was marked by the first publications following the MITS x Azov Corps: Defense Technology Horizons 2026 conference, a programme column by Ihor Fedirko, CEO of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Tech, and new data on Vyriy’s UGV.

At the same time, our colleagues at Militarnyi released a record number of compelling video interviews. This and more are covered in the new issue of Dorozvidka, where Defender Media curates key publications from other media, blogs, and social platforms.

Ihor Fedirko on Ukraine’s defence industry: the state of the market, the biggest threat of 2026 and the only safeguard

NV published an op-ed by Ihor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry. In a detailed piece, he outlines the situation across key market verticals and stresses that the decisive factor in 2026 will be the pace of adaptation: how quickly solutions move from operational feedback to refined serial production, how they are integrated into air defence, counter-UAV, electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems, how service and repairs are organised, and how testing is structured.

Fedirko notes that a critical gap between production capacity and the state’s ability to procure still persists — and in some cases is even widening. This undermines serial production, contract predictability for manufacturers, and the availability of certain categories of equipment in the armed forces. In his view, the only way to mitigate this threat is to open controlled exports of weapons and military equipment.

“In projections for 2026, the potential capacity framework stands at around $50–55 billion,” the author writes. “This reflects the scale of the industry’s capabilities, and at the same time serves as a test of the ability of the state and its partners to sustain demand, contracting and line utilisation at a pace consistent with wartime requirements.” Without a managed entry into external markets, Ukraine will continue to have capacity on paper and underutilised workshops, Fedirko argues.

Strix Air co-founder and CEO Eduard Baiev in a new episode of “Weapons”

In the latest episode of the video project Zbroya, produced jointly with the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, Militarnyi examines the reasons behind the supply of low-quality FPV drones to the Defence Forces, their refurbishment and modernisation by Strix Air, as well as the company’s development of its own anti-aircraft and fibre-optic drones. The speaker is the company’s co-founder and CEO, Eduard Baiev.

What the military should focus on in technical development – Achilles commander Yurii Fedorenko

Yurii Fedorenko is the commander of the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment Achilles. The regiment ranks among the ten most effective units in the Defence Forces and actively recruits IT specialists. Recently, Fedorenko spoke at the MITS x Azov Corps: Defense Technology Horizons 2026 conference, where he discussed the current state of technology along the line of contact and what the frontline will look like in the near future. His remarks were published by DOU.

Interview with Ukrainska Bronetechnika CEO Vladyslav Belbas

Another guest on Militarnyi’s video project was Ukrainska Bronetechnika CEO Vladyslav Belbas. He spoke about a new drone in the form factor of the Russian Molniya, which could carry a 120 mm mortar round over a distance of up to 100 km.

Other topics covered in the interview included:

• Varta 2 in military service;
• the army’s refusal to adopt VOLS buggies;
• a new chassis for the Bohdana howitzer;
• the cost of Ukrainska Bronetechnika’s products;
• the launch of new artillery ammunition production;
• low demand for tank shells;
• the Romanian contract and exports.

Vyriy on the DZHANKOI UGV

Vyriy first unveiled its DZHANKOI unmanned ground vehicle in September 2025, but little had been heard about the development since then. Last week, the company finally shared more details about the platform.

DZHANKOI is a universal tracked platform designed for a wide range of operational scenarios and adaptable to the missions of individual units, Vyriy says. The UGV can transport up to 500 kg of cargo across difficult terrain without tipping over and can tow damaged equipment weighing more than two tonnes. Its tracks feature a self-cleaning function, while communications are provided by out-of-the-box Starlink with automatic switching to backup LTE or ELRS links.

“Phoenix” of Lasar’s Group on working with manufacturers and finding innovation

Another Militarnyi video interview featured Yurii “Phoenix”, a major and training group commander with Lasar’s Group (National Guard of Ukraine). He is one of the unit’s leading representatives and is involved in identifying, implementing and combat-testing engineering solutions. Phoenix also regularly takes part in professional discussions on the development of defence technologies in Ukraine.

“Velbot” – an interview on maritime drones

Velbot is the commander of the 443rd Separate Maritime Division Neptun Shadow of the 9th Unmanned Systems Brigade. He has been involved in the use of maritime drones since the very beginning and is now, together with his team, building a maritime division within the 9th Unmanned Systems Brigade

Militarnyi spoke with him about the deployment and development of maritime drones in Ukraine and also visited, together with Velbot, the production facilities of Aquatechnik, a company that builds maritime and riverine drones. The company works closely with the military and develops its solutions around operational needs.

Previous issues of Dorozvidka – тут.