Unwave and 49North plan joint production of counter-drone systems

Ukrainian company Unwave and Canada’s 49North, a subsidiary of MDA Space, have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly produce and provide technical support for counter-uncrewed aerial systems. 49North announced the agreement.

The companies have not disclosed the production timeline, planned manufacturing volumes, or the specific types of counter-UAV systems they will produce.

According to 49North, the collaboration aims to help Ukraine counter emerging uncrewed aerial threats. 49North’s ability to manage complex defence programmes and provide long-term engineering support complements Unwave’s counter-drone expertise, the statement read.

49North specialises in sensing technologies, secure digital systems, and maintenance of defence equipment. The company draws on more than 50 years of defence industry experience from its parent firm, MDA Space, which includes supplying Heron uncrewed aerial systems for Canadian military operations in Afghanistan and supporting drone-based intelligence operations in Ukraine.

Unwave develops and manufactures electronic warfare and drone detection systems. Its product range includes the Vikha electronic warfare system, the Stepovyi Viter strike drone (co-developed with Sky Composite Engineering), and the Terrikon-X unmanned ground vehicle (co-developed with IXIAN).