DroneShield announces significant expansion in Europe

Australian defence manufacturer DroneShield has announced it is making a significant investment to expand its operations in Europe and support the continent’s domestic defence programs such as ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030.

The counter-drone (CUAS) technology company 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 currently one of DroneShield’s largest geographical segments, with over $500 million across dozens of opportunities. The local manufacturing program is expected to bring further demand through qualifying the company for additional deals.

The expansion comes as Europe enacts its €800 billion (~AU$1.4 trillion) ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 plan to become more militarily self‍-‍reliant and counter the threat from Russia. DroneShield’s technology and devices continue to play a major role in supporting Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War.

It also follows DroneShield recently completing an $8.2 million order with a major European military customer for dismounted and vehicle-mounted counter-unmanned (CUxS) 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. That defence must be centred around the modern threats of warfare which we’re engaged with daily, even using AI to significantly advance counter‍-‍drone 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.”

In Australia, the company will also expand its Australian assembly facilities, which support Australia’s own rise in modern defence capabilities alongside allies across the globe. Exports accounted for 91% of the work for 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.

Image credit: DroneShield