A key example is an ambitious initiative by the Estonian company Meridein Grupp, which specializes in integrated drone solutions, from UAV design and software to control systems.
According to Estonian public broadcaster ERR, Meridein Grupp is launching a large-scale project to establish a drone production facility in the Baltic region. Notably, the company has already signed a series of cooperation agreements, including with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers. While the specific names of the Ukrainian partners remain undisclosed, their involvement suggests close collaboration and knowledge-sharing, likely leveraging Ukraine’s extensive battlefield experience with drones.
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The upcoming factory will focus on mass-producing both FPV drones, categorized in the report as “strike drones” and “bomber drones”, as well as reconnaissance UAVs. The first batches are expected no earlier than the first half of 2026.
Initial production capacity is estimated at up to 2,000 drones per day, translating to approximately 60,000 drones per month or 720,000 annually. Given that a significant portion of the output will be cost-effective FPV systems, this target is considered realistic and highly relevant to modern warfare needs.
For Estonia and its Baltic allies, establishing domestic capacity for producing FPV drones is a strategic move. Compared to traditional weapon systems, FPV drones provide an economical, scalable, and combat-proven solution, especially valuable for small states operating under tight defense budgets.
Last year, Estonia emphasized the importance of optimizing its defense spending by prioritizing investments in FPV drones and loitering munitions, rather than high-cost platforms such as helicopters — which, in times of urgent need, could be supplied by NATO allies.
The new facility, with Ukrainian input, signals a deeper technological and industrial alignment between Ukraine and the Baltic states — one that could reshape the regional UAV landscape in the years ahead.
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