Production of PBS engines for UAVs is being localized in Ukraine

The Ukrainian company Airlogix and the Czech manufacturer PBS Velká Bíteš have signed a memorandum of understanding to organize the licensed production of small turbine engines in Ukraine. The agreement was reached during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, which is taking place in the United Kingdom. Airlogix noted that the partnership envisions the gradual localization of PBS engine production in Ukraine. This involves not only the assembly of finished products but also the gradual transfer of production processes to Ukrainian facilities.

The first stage will involve launching the assembly of turbine engines and establishing a certified service center in Ukraine. This will allow for the maintenance of power units without the need to send them abroad, which will significantly reduce repair and technical support times. After that, the parties plan to gradually expand production and increase the share of Ukrainian components and manufacturing processes. The companies expect to sign the final licensing agreement in the near future.

The Czech company PBS Velká Bíteš is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of small turbine engines. Its products are used in various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, aviation equipment, and other specialized systems. The company has many years of experience in developing power plants that are known for their compactness, reliability, and high efficiency.

The Ukrainian company Airlogix specializes in the development of unmanned aerial systems. One of the company’s best-known developments is the GOR reconnaissance drone, which is already being used to carry out various missions. Localizing engine production could be an important step toward the further development of Ukrainian drones and reducing dependence on imported components.

Experts have repeatedly emphasized that developing domestic production of components is one of the key priorities for the Ukrainian defense industry. In wartime, this allows manufacturers to be supplied with necessary parts more quickly, reduces logistical risks, and increases the pace of equipment production. The partnership between Airlogix and PBS Velká Bíteš also opens up opportunities for the transfer of modern technologies and the development of Ukrainian manufacturing capabilities. This could contribute to the creation of new jobs, the training of specialists, and the strengthening of cooperation between the Ukrainian and European defense sectors.

If the project is successfully implemented, Ukraine will gain not only modern, licensed production of turbine engines but also additional opportunities to develop its own unmanned systems industry. This is particularly important given the ever-growing role of UAVs both on the battlefield and in other areas where modern aviation technologies are used. A Ukrainian company reported this to “Military.”