Montenegro to produce drones for Ukraine together with the US
The Montenegrin government has approved the launch of a drone production project in cooperation with US companies. The first batch is planned to be delivered to Ukraine.
Here's What We Know
Montenegro will start producing drones in partnership with the American companies By Light professional IT services LLC and 4WINDS LLC. This is stated in a government document adopted on 29 May. The project will also involve two Montenegrin companies, Tara Aerospace and Polimex.
The production will be part of a larger defence project to strengthen the national industry, increase the defence capability of the Montenegrin army in line with NATO standards, and support Ukraine. The United States is expected to fund part of the initiative by providing up to $15 million in assistance funds for the Montenegrin armed forces.
The first batch of drones will be delivered to Ukraine. The government emphasises that the war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for UAVs and means of safe transport of hazardous materials. It also envisages creating a legal framework for the production and export of military components - the relevant law is to be drafted by the end of the year.
A drone by BY Light. Illustration: BY Light
It is not yet known when production will start and how much investment will be allocated from the Montenegrin budget. It is known that a contract should be signed by September after the conclusion of a "letter of intent", which has already been agreed at the government level. By the way, By Light currently produces vertical take-off drones from the HALO line and FPV drones PERSES.
It should be noted that Montenegro, a NATO member and EU candidate, has already provided Ukraine with military assistance worth more than €11 million since 2022, imposed sanctions on Russia and hosted Ukrainian refugees.
Source: WAPI
