Australian counter-drone technology company DroneShield has announced a major expansion into Europe. The company will establish its first overseas manufacturing and assembly facility to support growing demand and align with regional defense initiatives like the ReArm Europe Plan and Readiness 2030. The expansion includes a new European sales hub and a second manufacturing line for select hardware. DroneShield aims to achieve at least 65% European-based industry content in some products sold in the region. The company is also hiring more counter-drone experts for its European team. In parallel, it will expand assembly facilities in Australia to support both domestic and allied defense efforts. Europe is currently one of DroneShield’s largest geographical segments, with over A$500m across dozens of opportunities. A local production footprint will help DroneShield qualify for more contracts under European defense programs.
“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. 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 counterdrone capabilities by accurately identifying, tracking, and classing drones. Australia’s national defence spend is expected to double over the next decade to $100 billion in FY34. DroneShield continues to invest in providing leading-edge sovereign capabilities for Australia’s interests while ensuring we are equipped to meet demand from our nation’s allies across the globe,” said CEO Oleg Vornik.
DroneShield’s systems have played a major role in Ukraine’s defense against Russian drone attacks. The company recently completed an A$8.2 million order for a major European military customer. The deal included dismounted and vehicle-mounted counter-UxS (uncrewed systems) solutions. DroneShield says the new European supply chain will strengthen sovereign defense capability in the region. Its Australian software team will continue to develop AI-powered tools to counter emerging drone threats worldwide. In 2024, 91% of DroneShield’s Australian production was exported, showing strong international demand. This performance supports Australia’s broader manufacturing goals under its Future Made in Australia plan.
DroneShield (ASX:DRO) designs, manufactures, and delivers AI-based Electronic Warfare solutions to defend against Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Unmanned Systems (UxS) in the ground and maritime domains. DroneShield has delivered its handheld, mobile, and fixed-site protection to global allied defence and security forces. The company develops pre-eminent UAS security solutions that protect people, organisations and critical infrastructure from intrusion from UAS threats. Based in Sydney, DroneShield has presence in over 70 countries. With approximately 300 employees, all of its R&D and production are based in Australia.
