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Radio Free Europe
- June 4, 2025 08:44
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Montenegrin authorities plan to start producing unmanned drones, in cooperation with a company from the United States of America, and the first series will be donated to Ukraine, according to a document from the Government of Montenegro.
This government emphasizes that this initiative is in line with Montenegro's strategic orientation and that, among other things, it will strengthen the domestic defense industry.
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It is not known when production will begin, nor how much money the Montenegrin authorities will allocate for this purpose.
The document states that the deal, worth up to $15 million, will be supported by the US administration led by President Donald Trump.
Otherwise, this is the money that the US has allocated for the Montenegrin Army.
US Embassy: Investment in defense shows Montenegro's seriousness
The US Embassy in Montenegro says that the US Government encourages all partner countries to invest and cooperate with American companies.
"Investments in defense capabilities, such as American unmanned aerial systems, demonstrate Montenegro's seriousness in fulfilling its obligations to the Alliance, at a time when we are asking Europe to take on a greater burden for its security," the response to Radio Free Europe states.
NATO member countries are obligated to allocate at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product to defense.
The embassy recalls that US expectations are even greater:
"As President Trump has said, it is important that all allies, at the Hague Summit, pledge to spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense."
The agreement - if reached - will promote "security, stability, and shared prosperity," the US Embassy in Podgorica emphasizes.
What does the letter of intent provide?
At the session held on May 29, the Government of Montenegro approved a “letter of intent” to invest in the production of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the development of exports from Montenegrin airports.
This letter will be signed soon by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, Nik Gjeloshaj, and the director of the company By Light professional IT services LLC., Robert J. Donahue.
It will be an introduction to the contract that will have to be signed in September.
Gjeloshaj's ministry did not respond to Radio Free Europe's questions about where the factory will be built, when production should begin, and how many people will be employed.
Montenegro also confirms with documents that it will provide a legislative framework for the production and export of military components and hazardous materials.
Currently, the Government is working on a draft law on the production of weapons and military equipment, which should be ready by the end of the year.
Eight ministries, the Civil Aviation Agency and Podgorica Airport participate in this initiative.
Cooperation with Montenegrin companies
The Montenegrin government will also allocate funds for the creation of a production capacity for unmanned aerial systems, in cooperation with the company By Light and its partner 4WINDS LLC, who will establish a company in Montenegro for the needs of this project.
The agreement envisages the use of companies from Montenegro and the region for testing aerial and underwater technologies of unmanned systems.
Two companies from northern Montenegro, which deal with the production of military equipment and explosives - Tara Aerospace from Mojkovci and Poliex from Beranja, are particularly mentioned.
Previously, they were partially or fully owned by the state, but have since been privatized.
The government has retained a 12.5 percent stake in Tara, which specializes in air safety systems and closed last year with over 8.6 million euros in profit.
Poliex in Berane, which produces explosives, has also operated with over 4.2 million euros in profit.
Up to ten hours of flight
Four types of drones can be found on the website of the American company By Light.
It states that these aircraft have "long endurance and low noise, while simultaneously offering multiple operational capabilities both in the air and on the water."
The most modern among them is the HALO-6 VTOL, whose maximum payload is 27.2 kilograms and can stay in the air for up to ten hours.
This company also offers training for drone pilots.
It and its branches have won valuable contracts with American institutions.
Continued support for Ukraine
The government of Montenegro pledges to donate the first early production batch of unmanned systems and associated protective equipment to Ukraine.
"The ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscores the urgent need for UAS systems and the safe transportation of hazardous materials," the document states.
Drones are frequently used in the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, which escalated after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.
Montenegro - a NATO member and candidate country for membership in the European Union - has provided Ukraine with 11.3 million euros in military aid since the beginning of the invasion, has sheltered Ukrainian citizens and imposed sanctions on Russia.
Recently, Montenegro and Ukraine have agreed on the text of a ten-year cooperation agreement, which refers to support in the event of an armed attack, investments in the defense industry, intelligence cooperation, and the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
The agreement has not been signed yet.
A similar agreement with Ukraine has been signed so far by thirty countries - mostly NATO members.