Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS), a Vilnius-based advanced swarm detection company, has raised €3.2 million to scale its battlefield-tested UAVs and enhance AI-driven swarm integrations with modern battlefield management systems. The funding round includes €1.1 million personally contributed by Vytenis Buzas, creator of Lithuania’s first satellite, and Ernestas Kalabuckas, “Lithuanian CTO of the Year 2022”. Coinvest Capital co-led the €1.6 million investment round, with a group of business angels and a syndicate of 41 private investors. The investment includes a fund’s share of €0.9 million. An additional €0.5 million is reserved for international investors with dual-use sector expertise.
UDS’s cutting-edge UAV technology is already deployed by the Lithuanian and Ukrainian armed forces, with multiple defense procurement contracts secured. This investment will drive further development of proprietary swarm technologies, strengthening NATO’s military capabilities and aligning with 21st-century warfare demands.
Unmanned Defense Systems (UDS) specializes in tactical military Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), focusing on research, development, design, and manufacture. Their drones are known for advanced modular complexity, providing cost-effective and durable solutions for modern conflict management.
UDS drones are designed to offer superior capabilities for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other critical military missions, prioritizing safety and operational effectiveness. The company is recognized for its commitment to innovation and quality, continually striving to enhance its drones’ capabilities through ongoing research and development efforts.
Vytenis Buzas, nominated Executive Chairman of the Board, says, “We have the ambition to prove to the world that Lithuania is as great in developing high-tech military UAVs, as we are in aerospace or lasers. Moreover, the team is united by a burning inner drive to help Ukrainians win this brutal war.”
Ernestas Kalabuckas, incoming CTO, praised their military partners in Ukraine for enabling agile technology upgrades through frequent tests in the warzone.
“We are grateful to our military partners in Ukraine for running frequent tests together in the actual warzone, enabling agile and swift technology upgrades in response to the constantly changing conditions on the battlefield.”
Lithuanian Minister of Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized the importance of keeping pace with the latest military trends and integrating them into the defense system.
Viktorija Trimbel, Managing Director at Coinvest Capital, highlighted the fund’s alignment with defense and dual-use innovation needs.
“Being a sovereign VC fund, the first and the largest in the Baltics, fully authorised to invest in defence, we have patient capital and a mission that perfectly aligns with the specifics of defence and dual-use innovation needs and decision-making cycles.”
Giedrimas Jeglinskas, former NATO Assistant General Secretary and former Vice-minister of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania, emphasizes,
“At the NATO level, the guidance of a common “drone” doctrine will open up opportunities for cutting-edge technology developers such as UDS to grow both in NATO and in friendly markets further afield.”
The investments will support the development of proprietary swarm technologies, advancements in drone autonomy and coordination, and strengthening NATO’s military capacity.
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