Leadership and Innovation in Ukraine’s DefenseTech Transformation
The global Defense industry is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by technological acceleration, industrial collaboration, and an increasing demand for agile solutions. Ukraine is at the leading edge of this transformation.
We spoke to Alex Ulanovych and Viesturs Liegis, Partners at Amrop Ukraine and Baltics, who share their perspectives on Ukraine’s defense technology landscape, where entrepreneurship, innovation, international collaboration - and light-speed transformation - are shaping a new industry model.
Ukraine as a DefenseTech Hub
Over the past three years, Ukraine’s defense sector has shifted from a legacy producer to a dynamic, software-defined ecosystem. Today, the country is recognized as a hub for rapid innovation in drone technology, naval autonomy, AI-enabled systems, and joint manufacturing. Startups and established players alike are demonstrating an unprecedented ability to adapt, scale, and partner — creating a unique platform for international cooperation and investment.
“Today, Ukraine leads in drone technology, naval autonomy, battlefield AI, and rapid co-production, creating a startup flywheel that learns and adapts in weeks - not years,” says Ulanovych. “Trends have emerged which are shaping Ukraine’s defense sector as we speak.”
Key trends driving the sector
- Agile industrial partnerships: Collaborations with European and U.S. manufacturers are reshaping local production capacity and supply chains.
- Drone-ization at scale: From a handful of firms to hundreds of manufacturers, UAV development has become a defining industry pillar.
- Digital integration: Command, control, and procurement processes are becoming increasingly data-driven and transparent, accelerating innovation cycles.
- Electronic systems innovation: Advances in communications, countermeasures, and AI are creating new opportunities for dual-use and defense applications.
A Model of International Collaboration
Ukraine’s defense ecosystem benefits from strong alliances with international producers and technology partners. Local production agreements with leading global defense companies, along with cross-border technology coalitions, are accelerating delivery and strengthening resilience.
“International collaboration is taking place. Ukraine’s defense industry benefits from alliances like the Alliance of Defence Industries and local production partnerships such as Rheinmetall & BAE,” explains Liegis. “Drone & IT coalitions under UDCG accelerate delivery of UAVs, ISR, cyber capabilities, and command systems.”
Procurement has also been reimagined. A digital marketplace introduced in 2023 has shortened contracting cycles dramatically, providing transparency and opening the field to startups and scale-ups. In parallel, accelerators such as BRAVE1 and industry associations like NAUDI are nurturing a vibrant MilTech ecosystem — one where innovation and collaboration define competitiveness.
Leadership and Business Imperatives
This rapid evolution has heightened the demand for visionary leadership — executives who can:
- Guide organizations through fast-changing regulatory and industrial landscapes.
- Build and sustain international partnerships.
- Align innovation with long-term business outcomes and stakeholder trust.
- Attract and retain top talent in a sector where agility and resilience are paramount.
For leaders across the global defense and technology sectors, Ukraine offers a case study in how to build adaptable organizations and collaborative ecosystems under extraordinary conditions. The lessons extend well beyond defense, touching on innovation management, supply chain agility, and cross-border cooperation.
Looking Ahead
Ukraine is demonstrating a new model for how defense innovation, industrial collaboration, and entrepreneurial energy can converge. More than a wartime necessity, this transformation is a blueprint for the future of the European defense industry — one that prioritizes speed, adaptability, and leadership excellence.
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Viesturs Liegis, Partner at Amrop Ukraine and Baltics, will be attending DSEI UK (September 9–12, 2025) to explore further collaboration opportunities.
Alex Ulanovych, Partner at Amrop Ukraine and Baltics, will participate in BRAVE1 in Lviv (September 16–17, 2025), engaging with innovators shaping Ukraine’s defense future.
Read more about Amrop's Defense Practice here.