Croatian Drone Maker Seeks Ukrainian Battlefield Insight to Tailor NATO Equipment

Srđan Kovačević, chief executive of Croatian drone specialist ORQA, argues that deployment in Ukraine is essential for adapting its products to NATO’s exacting requirements. The firm, which supplies controllers, receivers, goggles and simulators to roughly twenty NATO allies, is collaborating with Ukrainian defence company General Cherry to co-develop drone systems and transfer expertise. Kovačević stresses that Ukraine’s intense drone warfare provides rare real-world testing, allowing ORQA to incorporate frontline lessons into its designs.

He also notes that Ukrainian firms can produce drones at volumes far exceeding Western peers, offering valuable insights into rapid scaling under fire. ORQA’s strategy includes expanding domestic Ukrainian component production to cut dependence on non-European suppliers, while ensuring that NATO forces receive equipment meeting alliance standards. Similar partnerships, such as Latvia’s Origin Robotics, illustrate a broader trend of Western firms seeking Ukrainian combat experience to improve their own offerings.