Dorozvidka #49: Odd Systems’ semiconductor plant, and updates from TAF Industries, Vyriy, Fire Point, Frontline and Brave1

Over the past week, Ukrainian and international media published a number of notable stories. From them, the defence tech ecosystem learned that:

• Odd Systems plans to invest $70 million in a sensor manufacturing plant for thermal imaging cameras;
• TAF Industries doubled its revenue in 2025 and plans to enter the deep strike market;
• Vyriy codified several new products, while its founder acquired a media outlet;
• Fire Point is developing a deep strike version of its mid-strike drone without reducing the 105 kg warhead.

In addition, Dorozvidka #49 features interviews with founders and top managers from Frontline Robotics, Brave1 and Roboneers, as well as “Elektrik,” commander of the UGV battalion of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar.”

Odd Systems to build a semiconductor plant

Ukrainian company Odd Systems, which manufactures thermal imaging cameras for drones, plans to build its own semiconductor plant. Co-founder Yaroslav Azhnyuk shared the news on the UT-2 podcast, saying investments could reach $70 million.

Azhnyuk did not specify the location but hinted that both domestic and international options are under consideration. “It may become the first semiconductor plant in Ukraine,” he said.

He also discussed Axon’s investment, Swarmer’s IPO, AI development and other topics.

Frontline Robotics CEO on manufacturing in Germany, a Mavic alternative and deftech challenges

In a short period, Frontline Robotics has evolved from a promising startup into one of the key players in Ukraine’s defence tech market. Its core products include the Zoom reconnaissance drone, the Linza strike bomber and the Buria robotic turret.

In 2025, the company launched joint drone production in Germany with Quantum Systems under the Build with Ukraine initiative. In an interview with DOU, co-founder and CEO Yevhen Tretiak explained how team culture helped the company scale, how it secured German partners and whether it can move away from Chinese components.

TAF Industries CEO on new drone types, international projects and 80% revenue growth

TAF Industries, one of Ukraine’s largest FPV drone manufacturers, is aiming to grow revenue from other UAV categories, CEO Volodymyr Zinovskyi told Forbes. Among the new product lines under consideration are deep-strike drones, interceptors, and UGVs. The company’s revenue grew by 80% in 2025 compared to the previous year.

How is one of the largest FPV manufacturers diversifying its portfolio? What international partnerships is it exploring? And why will FPV drones remain its core revenue driver for now? Read the full interview.

Fire Point to develop a deep strike version of FP-2 with a 105 kg warhead

NV visited the production site of Fire Point’s FP-2 mid-strike drones, spoke with the developer and gathered feedback from military operators.

Co-founder and chief designer Denys Shtilerman said the company is developing a long-range version of the FP-2 while retaining its 105 kg warhead.

“Our goal is to create a version with the same 105-kilogram warhead but capable of a full deep strike range. This is not a plan — it’s already being implemented,” he said.

In-depth discussion on UGVs

Militarnyi released a new episode of its “Do Zbroyi!” project featuring “Elektrik,” commander of the UGV battalion of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar,” and Taras Rokoshevskyi, co-founder of Roboneers and head of UGV development.

They discussed requirements for ground drones, key combat missions, unit development and challenges facing manufacturers.

What’s new at Vyriy Industries

According to Oboronka, Vyriy has codified several products, including the Dzhankoy UGV and the Sokil reconnaissance drone. Both are currently undergoing brigade-level testing. Sokil has already been successfully used in initial combat missions, while Dzhankoy is being evaluated in field workshops.

Sokil is a budget reconnaissance drone. It is hand-launched, deploys within 20 minutes, operates at altitudes up to 2,500 meters and has a maximum range of 170 km. It is expected to include a countermeasure system against Russian FPV interceptors. The unit cost is up to $5,000.

Dzhankoy is a logistics and support platform with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg and towing capability for damaged equipment weighing around 2.5 tons. Its top speed is 15 km/h with a range of 42 km.

Another update: Vyriy Industries founder Oleksii Babenko acquired a 75% stake in the media outlet Babel.

“Strong and independent media are one of the foundations of a strong and independent state — the kind of state I want to live in,” the entrepreneur said.

Artem Moroz on the weapons of the future, Brave1 and its US Investment Roadshow

Ahead of Brave1’s US Investment Roadshow, Artem Moroz, head of investment attraction at the cluster, appeared on the English-language podcast Silicon Curtain.

Previously in Dorozvidka.