In a significant development for Ukraine’s defense industry, Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Ukrainian defense firm Radionix aimed at advancing the capabilities of sensors and defense electronics. This partnership is expected to leverage the unique strengths of both companies, with Radionix specializing in radars and optical targeting equipment, and Saab bringing a diverse array of products, including advanced electronic warfare systems and aircraft self-protection suites.
“Anders Carp, Deputy CEO of Saab, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the shared expertise of the two firms. ‘We look forward to this collaboration with Radionix, leveraging both companies’ expertise. This agreement underscores Saab’s strong commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capability and defense industry,'” Carp stated.
Radionix has a well-rounded product portfolio that includes radio communication and navigation systems. In a previous interview with Defense Here in 2022, Priadko Oleksii, a senior official at Radionix, highlighted the firm’s ongoing projects, mentioning their work on seekers for air-to-air missiles. Oleksii also conveyed openness to collaborating with international partners, including a keen interest in forming relationships with Turkish companies.
The memorandum comes at a time when several Western defense companies are increasingly looking to establish partnerships with Ukrainian firms, reflecting a broader trend of investment in the nation’s defense sector amid heightened security concerns. Notably, earlier this year, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway announced plans to produce missiles for the NASAMS air defense system in Ukraine. Additionally, the Franco-German defense firm KNDS inaugurated a Ukrainian subsidiary in October 2024 to streamline the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of their platforms within Ukraine.
This influx of foreign investment and collaboration aims to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities significantly, particularly in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, Rheinmetall, a prominent German defense contractor, secured a contract from the Ukrainian government in July 2024 to construct an arms factory in the country, further solidifying the international commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s defense infrastructure.
The partnership between Saab and Radionix is poised to play a crucial role in that framework, enhancing the technological capabilities of Ukraine’s defense systems and reinforcing the country’s operational readiness in a dynamic security landscape.
