Dmytro Shymkiv (previously, among others, Head of Microsoft Ukraine & Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine) bought a <50% stake in Ukrainian drone manufacturer AeroDrone (the transaction terms were not disclosed). Before the Ukraine war, AeroDrone was developing the “DR-60” drone (~€75k) for farmers to spray their fields with plant protection products & microfertilizers. By December 2022, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Ukraine had allowed two new AeroDrone (drone) models for military use. One being the “D80-Discovery” drone, which can lift up to 80kg of cargo, fly at a speed of 120km/h for 900km & perform flight tasks on autopilot. The other being the “E-300 Enterprise” drone, with a payload of up to 300kg, which can fly at 150km/h for 3,150km. It’s worth noting that AeroDrone’s new military permits are a valuable asset e.g. in 2023, the MoD of Ukraine plans to spend €0.5bn on drones. AeroDrone was founded in 2012 by Yuri Pederi (CEO). Notwithstanding the above, the startup will continue with its plan to certify its agricultural drone in Europe & the US. No plans were divulged related to the firm’s military capabilities roadmap. Source <ain.capital, kyivpost.com, vestbee.com, techukraine.org>
