Five Slovenian Defense Companies Join Kyiv Talks as Slovenia Moves Toward Ukraine Drone Deal
Slovenia has formally expressed interest in joining Ukraine’s Drone Deal initiative as DAT-CON, STRiX eMotors, SkyLabs, Beyond Semiconductor and Podkrižnik joined government talks in Kyiv on drones, counter-UAS systems and wider defense-industrial cooperation.
Five Slovenian companies joined a government delegation to Kyiv as Slovenia moves toward deeper defense-industrial cooperation with Ukraine, with unmanned systems and counter-drone capabilities at the center of the discussions.
DAT-CON, STRiX eMotors, SkyLabs, Beyond Semiconductor and Podkrižnik took part in the Slovenian defense delegation during a working visit to Ukraine on September 17, according to Slovenia’s Ministry of Defense. Representatives of the companies held direct talks with Ukrainian counterparts on potential areas for cooperation.
During the visit, Slovenian Defense Minister Valentin Hajdinjak handed his Ukrainian counterpart a letter expressing Slovenia’s interest in joining the Drone Deal initiative.
The proposed framework is intended to connect interested Slovenian defense companies with Ukrainian industry while supporting the development of capabilities for both countries, particularly in air defense and counter-UAS operations.
Ukraine and Slovenia are still preparing the initiative rather than announcing a finalized agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met Hajdinjak and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer in Kyiv, said the two countries had discussed initial results and potential joint defense projects. The Ukrainian presidency said particular attention was given to the Drone Deal and opportunities to establish production and expand industrial cooperation.
Five Slovenian companies in Kyiv
The presence of private-sector companies gives the visit a significant industrial dimension.
DAT-CON develops surveillance, electro-optical and counter-drone systems, including its LYNX anti-drone system, alongside mobile surveillance and border-security solutions.
SkyLabs, based in Maribor, specializes in satellite avionics, communications and fault-tolerant aerospace electronics. The company is also participating in a European Defence Agency project focused on next-generation defense satellites.
STRiX eMotors, Beyond Semiconductor and Podkrižnik were also named by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense among the five companies participating in the talks.
Slovenia said its industrial interests extend beyond drones. Areas identified for possible cooperation include unmanned aircraft, air and counter-drone defense, cyber defense, armored systems and artillery.
For Slovenian companies, closer access to Ukraine could provide direct exposure to technologies and requirements shaped by large-scale combat operations. Ljubljana specifically pointed to the speed at which Ukraine’s defense industry has adapted equipment, production and technology to changing battlefield requirements.
Broader defense ties
The industrial discussions formed part of a larger Slovenian delegation that included senior defense officials and the chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces General Staff.
Slovenia has also made a $50 million contribution to the PURL initiative, according to the Ukrainian presidency. Zelenskyy thanked Ljubljana for the contribution during the meeting in Kyiv.
Hajdinjak said Slovenia wants to build longer-term defense-industrial relations with Ukraine and expand cooperation around key military capabilities.
The talks could continue in Slovenia later this year. Hajdinjak invited Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara to attend the SIDEC defense exhibition in Celje in November, where a central panel is expected to focus on Ukraine’s defense industry and its wartime production experience.
Excerpt:
Slovenia has formally expressed interest in joining Ukraine’s Drone Deal initiative as DAT-CON, STRiX eMotors, SkyLabs, Beyond Semiconductor and Podkrižnik joined government talks in Kyiv on drones, counter-UAS systems and wider defense-industrial cooperation.
Ghost tags:
Slovenia, Ukraine, Drone Deal, Drones, Counter-UAS, Defense Industry, DAT-CON, STRiX eMotors, SkyLabs, Beyond Semiconductor, Podkrižnik, European Defense
