Aerospace and defence technologies company AIRO has signed a non-binding letter of intent (LoI) with uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) provider Nord Drone, setting the stage for both companies to potentially form a joint venture (JV).
The collaboration’s focus is to expedite the delivery of combat-proven UASs to the US, Ukraine, and other Nato allies.
The proposed JV is expected to leverage AIRO's experience in manufacturing, research and development, government procurement, and strategic corporate support.
In turn, Nord Drone is anticipated to contribute its proprietary drone technologies, production capabilities, supply chain access, and established relationships with defence ministries, including that of Ukraine.
AIRO executive chairman Dr Chirinjeev Kathuria said: “This strategic partnership represents a significant opportunity to deliver proven, battlefield-tested technology to our allies when they need it most.
“By combining our engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and Nato relationships with Nord Drone's exceptional technical expertise, we believe we can rapidly scale production of critical defence systems.”
The joint venture stands as a “strategic move” to address immediate conflict response needs and support “long-term defence modernisation initiatives” across key markets.
It signifies a concerted effort by both companies to respond swiftly to the demands of modern warfare and provide advanced UAS solutions to Nato allies.
While the LoI sets the stage for the joint venture, it remains non-binding until definitive agreements are executed following mutual due diligence and regulatory reviews.
Both AIRO Group and Nord Drone have committed to negotiating definitive documentation within 60 days but noted that there is no guarantee that such agreements will be finalised as described or at all.
“Our collaboration with AIRO has the potential to create a powerful platform to expand our combat-proven technologies to serve US and Nato forces,” Nord Drone CTO Yevgen Kotukh stated.
Nord Drone has been delivering wide range of battlefield-proven drones, including first-person view strike units, loitering munitions, and multi-role bombers.
With a current production rate of 4,000 drones per month and the potential to increase output to 25,000 units with additional government support, the company’s UASs are actively deployed in conflict zones.
