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General Cherry and Orqa's Pioneering Partnership

In a monumental development for NATO and its allied nations, Ukrainian defense technology company General Cherry has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Croatian drone manufacturer Orqa, a pioneer in the European drone industry. This partnership is set to leverage General Cherry’s world-renowned capabilities in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), renowned for their effectiveness in defending against drone threats.

A Commitment to Security

The decision by Ukraine to share its unique know-how in intercepting drones through this partnership provides NATO with enhanced resilience and an opportunity to bolster European defense systems. The collaboration will not only elevate NATO’s defense strategies but will also ensure that the integration of capabilities does not compromise Ukraine's operational capacity. By developing and manufacturing interceptor drones and related systems together, both companies aim to create a formidable defense architecture for the security of Europe.

Yaroslav Gryshyn, co-founder of General Cherry, expressed optimism about the alliance, stating, “This day marks the beginning of a new chapter for our company and the entire Ukrainian defense technology landscape. We are launching a major and promising partnership with a company that brings over a decade of experience and expertise in the drone industry. Our common goal is clear: to contribute to building a new security architecture for both Europe and the world. The unique battlefield experience of Ukraine combined with Orqa’s technology expertise creates a powerful synergy. Together, we are poised to make a significant impact.”

Details of the Collaboration

The partnership places a strong emphasis on mutual respect and shared interests, particularly given the historical relationship between Ukraine and Croatia regarding sovereignty and independence. The immediate focus will be on developing and producing drones that can effectively counter drone threats, but plans are already underway to establish joint manufacturing centers in Croatia and Ukraine where the first products are expected to materialize soon.

Srdjan Kovacevic, co-founder and CEO of Orqa, commented on the partnership saying, “General Cherry’s combat experience, coupled with Orqa’s extensive technical capabilities, forms an extraordinary partnership based on a novel mutual manufacturing model. This is a significant advancement for both parties and their respective nations, allowing for the highly efficient interceptor drone capabilities developed by General Cherry to be available outside of Ukraine for the very first time. The outcome will strengthen the security framework for all allied nations.”

Innovative Manufacturing Model

Orqa has established itself as a leading drone manufacturer globally, specializing in high-quality drone components and integrated systems for clients in over 50 markets, including 24 NATO member states. Importantly, every Orqa product is manufactured without Chinese components, ensuring that their vertically integrated production model keeps the supply chain insulated from geopolitical disruptions. Recognized for their rapid growth, Orqa ranked 135th overall and second in the aerospace and defense sector in the 2026 FT1000 listing by the Financial Times, which acknowledges Europe’s 1,000 fastest-growing companies.

In summary, this collaboration between General Cherry and Orqa symbolizes a significant stride in reinforcing Europe's technological defense landscape, demonstrating how shared expertise can foster innovative solutions to pressing security needs. Both companies are expected to play pivotal roles as they work together to integrate their strengths and produce cutting-edge defense technologies that serve NATO interests effectively.

This partnership is not just about drones; it’s about a mutual commitment to a secure future that enhances the safety of millions across Europe and beyond. As both companies gear up for what's next, the eyes of the defense industry will undoubtedly be on them, anticipating results that could reshape aerial combat landscapes in the months and years to come.