The article discusses Buntar Aerospace, a Ukrainian company that produces drones for military and civilian use. The company has received $2.7 million in funding, which is a significant amount among young Ukrainian defense tech startups. Buntar’s products, such as the Skyhopper drone, are priced at around $20,000 and have been tested by soldiers.
However, despite the company’s financial success, there are concerns about the quality and battlefield readiness of its drones. An investor from Seven Capital expressed doubts about the performance of Buntar’s products in a real-world setting.
Buntar is currently working on several updates to their drone models and has expanded rapidly, with around 60 employees, including some family members of the founder. The company aims to produce more advanced drones, such as the kamikaze type, and is planning to establish production facilities in the UK to avoid export controls within Ukraine.
The article also highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian defense tech startups, particularly the Defense Ministry’s cap on profits at 25% over cost, making it difficult for them to turn a profit. The company hopes that its products will gain traction with Western militaries and investors after the war.
Overall, the article provides an in-depth look at Buntar Aerospace and the challenges faced by Ukrainian defense tech startups, highlighting the need for high-quality products and significant investment in order to compete on the global market.