Introduction

DTU is planning to make these newsletters more frequent and consistent. We know that our members, investors, and donors have given up time, effort, and money to support us and to support Ukraine, so we want to be transparent and clear about what we have done and what we are working on.

Thank you all for your support and for your support for Ukraine.

Selected Project Updates

This month, we have the following project updates from our partners. But first, we have an urgent request for aid. From one of our partners:

“DTU is looking for cooperation with Ukrainian makers, especially in the Kyiv area. We want to speed up the making of prototypes that will be sent to the frontline to help Ukraine win the war. If you know some people with CNC milling/turning/laser machines, fast PCB placement, metal folding, advanced soldering capacity, please contact us to share their contact with us and help them be useful for our big community of engineers.”

A European team is working away on providing autonomous targeting assistance for drones via the Dog Flight system. Below is their full update:

Dog Fight is a modular, platform-agnostic, AI-powered targeting system for drones. Its current prototype runs on a Raspberry Pi 4, using embedded AI inference to process camera data, detect and track targets, and support the operator through an integrated aiming interface.

Team has officially formed, and we are beginning to build momentum as a group. Our first full-group meeting is scheduled for this weekend, where we plan to align on goals, timelines, and responsibilities. In preparation, I have already met with each section individually to better understand their progress and needs. Together, we are working on developing a LiDAR-based rangefinder system as well as a radio-independent safety pin mechanism, both of which are critical components for reliability and safety. On the software side, we have completed an initial class diagram that outlines the system architecture, and we are preparing to begin porting the codebase to C++ in the coming weeks. Overall, things are moving forward steadily, and the team is starting to come together effectively.

Defense Tech for Ukraine also recently attended a Faraday virtual demonstration of its Tesseract radio detection kit. Below is a report from your correspondent.

Faraday’s Tesseract radio kit fits inside a typical household plastic container and be remotely operated by a laptop, picking up no less than six radio signals. One demonstrator was able to place radio signals around the portable Tesseract, and the laptop then shows the direction of the radio signal.

According to Faraday, the Tesseract has automatic calibration. Additionally, the Tesseract has a range of 300 MHz - 6 GHz, with an instantaneous bandwidth 65 MHz plus a nascent ability to detect fiber-optic drones if they’re close by.

Faraday also intends to mount the Tesseract on drones to provide cost-effective battlefield mobile electronic reconnaissance. Once Faraday perfects the Tesseract, the plan is to create Argus – a passive electronic reconnaissance complex and AeroArgus – the airborne version. Emit and be found by platforms that cost significantly less than the premier airborne electronic platform, the Boeing EA-18G Growler, which conducts electronic reconnaissance and electronic attack for the US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.

Defense Tech for Ukraine is also working on four other projects:

Acoustic Detection of Fiber Optic Drones

Development continues, and DTU is hard at work adding additional military testing partners for this important project, which is designed to detect and track Russian fiber optic and autonomous drones so that they can be neutralized.

Mini Radars

DTU has helped stock fast-growing Ukraine-based mini-radar startup Valkyrie Dynamics with a substantial portion of their team, as they work to make interceptors significantly more effective by carrying small-yet-effective drone-hunting radars.

RayBlade

Half of the planned production of version 2 of RayBlade was delivered to two military units last week in Kyiv. Feedback from them on the new version is awaited. More units will be finished in the coming week and delivered to two other military units

Range Extension

This project in stealth mode has already shown to provide FPV drones with massive range gains. Currently testing with Ukrainian military partners.

Automated Optical Drone-Detection

Well-made software can spot a far-off drone faster and more consistently than a human can, even when both are looking at the same video. A legendary Ukrainian regiment asked us to make one of these detection apps for them, and our crack team from Canada and Europe will very shortly deliver the first beta version for them to test. Faster and more accurate detection means a higher likelihood of removing these threats, saving lives on the front and in cities and towns all across Ukraine and Europe.

OSINT and Battlefield Intelligence

On X, we have Grandpa Roy at @GrandpaRoy2 on X giving us the latest on Ukraine. He’s an Open Source Intelligence, or OSINT, gentleman focused on Russia’s War on Ukraine drone warfare, electronic warfare, and munitions based out of Canada. Grandpa Roy has been able to cite his research with links to the Russian social media platform Telegram and more.

For instance, we learn from Roy that the Russians’ preferred form of artillery is the first-person-view drone, or FPV. Russians use “POM-2 anti-personnel landmines removed from their canisters and fitted with modified UZRG-M hand grenade fuzes.” These munitions are not the best out there, but are still effective.

Meanwhile, as has been widely reported, Ukraine has been targeting Russian shipping with drones – especially ferries and tankers. This is part of Ukraine’s 2026 summer campaign to deny Russia fuel to continue to wage its war economy that includes attacks on every single Russian refinery. Additionally, the plan is becoming clear to cut Crimea off from fuel and water, making Crimea inhospitable to Russian settlers. A video Grandpa Roy reposted of a journalist interviewing a Ukrainian UAV commander made this clear.

However, Russia has developed Geran-4 long-range jet-powered drones with autonomous targeting. These drones can be programmed to target ships as well as trains, and have been, clearly showing the need for better counter-drone technologies.

This is while Ukraine has been able to get 92-96% of the Geran-4’s infamous propeller predecessor, the Geran-2 (aka the Russian version of the Iranian Shahed) shot down. So Russia is now using the Geran-2 more around the interim borders with Ukraine, saving the Geran-4s for long-range strikes.

But fret not, Ukraine is working on autonomous technology. For instance, Tencore is working on an artificial intelligence computer to control uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs). Additionally, Ukraine had “a 15-inch FPV from the Ukrainian company Vyriy completed a record 110 km flight without the aid of a mothership. “ The trick was to use a smaller warhead and a bigger battery of the 40 aH kind, plus a TFL-1 autonomous targeting module from The Fourth Law.

Ukraine also is starting to retake territory using light infantry supported by heavy bomber drones turned into equipment shuttles. Grandpa Roy was able to get details from Russian Telegram accounts like,

“A natural transformation of logistics has occurred. It hasn’t disappeared; it has simply moved into the air. Isolated actions have evolved into a supply system. The enemy’s dominance in the air has not only complicated our logistics but now our assault teams… may unexpectedly encounter a heavy machine gun or a well-equipped group with anti-tank weapons where previously there were only exhausted soldiers with automatic rifles and minimal ammunition.”

Oh, and while Russia has the “Rubicon” drone unit stalking and killing Ukrainian drone operators, Roy was able to report on July 12 that “Intelligence units had previously noted constant activity, drone launches, EM emissions, and the presence of multiple antennas” where “Rubicon” was hiding. A precision airstrike got up to 15 members of “Rubicon”.

Finally, Grandpa Roy was able to intercept and translate a recent Russian military aviation blogger “Fighterbomber” post where “Fighterbomber” mused… “I think our trading partners will quickly figure out the situation and set such gasoline prices for us… that we’ll be too broke to buy it in the necessary quantities. Well, and accordingly, we need to decide how many horses to produce this year, and how many wagons to build for them next year, if the scenarios are unfavorable.”

Hopefully, this report gives you some idea of how technology is affecting Russia’s War on Ukraine, and Ukraine’s self-defense.

Calling Defense Investors

In one of the last reforms Mykhailo Fedorov was able to conduct as Defense Minister, Fedorov was able to announce on LinkedIn a mechanism that works via;

🔹Partner countries participating in the Drone Deal initiative that have relevant intergovernmental agreements with Ukraine will be able to procure Ukrainian-made defense products and technologies and work directly with Ukrainian manufacturers.

🔹A transparent review process for export applications submitted by manufacturers is being introduced. Applications will be reviewed within a clearly defined timeframe of up to 30 days. The mechanism applies to transfers of defense products and technologies valued at 15 million UAH or more.

🔹The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will compile the list of eligible partner countries. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense, together with other authorized government agencies, will determine the list of critical items that may not be transferred.

🔹Ukrainian technologies will remain protected by the state. Transfers will take place without the assignment of intellectual property rights, and any re-export or transfer to third parties will require Ukraine’s prior written consent. If products manufactured using Ukrainian technologies are exported to third countries, 20% of their value will be paid into the state budget.

While “meeting the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces remains the government’s highest priority” it is clear that with Ukraine being a laboratory of modern warfare since Russia’s War on Ukraine started in earnest on February 24, 2022, lessons and technologies to roll back Russian aggression can now be applied to other military endeavors.

According to a July 1 report in the Kyiv Independent, “The Kyiv School of Economics estimates that the high-tech segment of Ukraine’s defense sector reached $6.8 billion in 2025, though it says the true figure is likely higher.” With billions of dollars on tap, now is the time to invest in Ukraine's defense tech.

We at Defense Tech for Ukraine also hope that Federov’s reforms continue to free Ukraine. SLAVA UKRAINI.

Partnership Spotlight

Many of our members are also members of European Action for Ukraine (EAU), an excellent organization dedicated to coordinating and promoting pro-Ukrainian advocacy in Europe, countering Russian propaganda, and bringing people together from all over Europe.

Some of their upcoming events include:

• Navigating the storms – Europeans at a crossroad: security threats and ways out of the crisis (August 5)

• Aktionsforum Ukraine (5-6 October)

DTU Guest Speaker Series/Upcoming Speakers

Join us every Saturday at 12:00 PM (EST)/6:00 PM (CET) on our official channels for deep-dive sessions with leading experts in defense technology, drone warfare, and geopolitical analysis. If you’re not yet a member of our DTU chat group and want to join the call, please sign up on our website here.

Our next speaker is journalist Phillip Ittner on August 8.

Closing & Feedback

We’re stronger together, adapting to battlefield realities with innovative tech solutions in the name of freedom, democracy and justice in Ukraine, Europe and our shared planet.

Share your feedback: Reply to this email or request a Signal link to share on an encrypted line. Suggestions for future defense projects? Your voice matters!.

Разом до перемоги! (Together for Victory!)
– The DTU Team

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Introducing the Defense Tech for Ukraine Newsletter

As DTU continues to grow, so does the need for clear, structured communication, therefore we have created this newsletter to update our supporters on our work and better build awareness for how to help Ukraine.

This inaugural newsletter marks a pivotal step in our growth, serving as our monthly touchpoint — delivering updates on some of our work, analysis from the battlefield, and opportunities to help.

Selected Project Updates

Acoustic Detecting of Fiber Optic Drones

Russia’s widespread use of fiber optics drones is a big problem for Ukraine’s heroes, since the drones are not detectable by radio frequency or radar. Enter acoustic detection. DTU is facilitating a very promising project which can help solve this problem. We have multiple members in Ukraine right now working on testing and iterating the design based on feedback from military units.

Mini Radars

A DTU Leader has joined Valkyrie Dynamics to build mini radars in Kyiv. Weekly meetups discussing Shahed/Geran interceptors with partners Victory Drones and Moodro.

Interception-Warning for Recon Drones

The key to understanding where the invaders are is reconnaissance and surveillance, and the Russians spend a lot of resources taking down Ukrainian recon drones with their own drones. A DTU member has created a small and lightweight warning system to alert Ukrainian pilots of enemy drones, and it is currently in test use by Ukrainians on missions at the front.

Fiber Optic Cutter

A DTU member has created a fiber optic cable cutting robot which has already successfully disabled oncoming Russian attack drones in combat!

Strategic OSINT & Battlefield Intelligence

To contextualize current technological requirements, here are some curated developments and analysis derived from open-source intelligence.

Ukraine Brings All Military Training Home

Ukraine’s General Staff will now conduct all military training exclusively on Ukrainian territory, ending routine overseas programs.

Deputy Chief Yevhen Mezhivikin cited a key gap: many Western instructors lack direct experience with Ukraine’s brutal realities: drone saturation, massive artillery barrages, and constant adaptation. The goal is faster, more relevant training based on lessons learned “in blood, not PowerPoints.

US combat veteran advisor Brad Crawford strongly backs the decision, noting Ukrainian troops have lived this modern war for four years and developed unmatched expertise. In recent NATO exercises in Estonia, a small unit of 10-12 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly managed to functionally disable two NATO battalions within 12 hours, while taking no losses themselves.

Ukrainian Artillery Gunners Retrain as Precision Drone Operators

Intense Russian drone activity has made traditional artillery operations nearly impossible near the front lines. In response, gunners from Ukraine’s 63rd Brigade have retrained as drone pilots. They now deliver ammunition with maximum accuracy using FPV drones, turning a challenge into a more effective tactic.

This shift highlights Ukraine’s rapid adaptation in drone warfare, where fiber-optic FPVs and converted artillery crews help maintain pressure on Russian forces despite electronic warfare and drone threats.

Calling Defense Investors

DTU has just published a strategic roadmap for global investors looking to enter Ukraine’s defense sector, explaining how the country’s “battlefield laboratory” accelerates innovation and offering concrete steps for navigating the unique risks and regulations of a wartime economy.

Click here for more information

Partnership Spotlight: European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH)

We partner with the European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH), a pan-European network accelerating defense innovation via hackathons and field testing. Their focus on rapid prototyping in anti-drone and EW tech directly supports our mission.

We encourage our community to engage with these upcoming EDTH opportunities (full calendar at lu.ma/eurodefensetech):

• EUDIS Defence Hackathon: Defending Airspace (Mar 26–28) – A flagship event across eight locations (including Poland and Czechia) focused on counter-drone capabilities. Ukrainian participation is highly encouraged.

• EDTH Virtual Demo Day (Apr 7) – An online showcase of defense tech breakthroughs, ideal for founders and dual-use investors.

• EDTH Online Networking (Apr 14) – A digital session connecting innovators, investors, and operators.

• EDTH Hackathon: Stockholm & Porto (Apr 24–26) – A dual-city sprint for rapid prototyping of mission-critical solutions.

These events are excellent opportunities for engineers and analysts to collaborate. Visit eurodefense.tech to get involved as we accelerate innovation for Ukraine and Europe.

DTU Guest Speaker Series

Join us every Saturday at 12:00 PM (EST)/6:00 PM (CET) on our official channels for deep-dive sessions with leading experts in defense technology, drone warfare, and geopolitical analysis. If you’re not yet a member of our DTU chat group and want to join the call, please sign up on our website here.

Our next speaker is war correspondent David Kirichenko on April 4:

Closing & Feedback

We’re stronger together, adapting to battlefield realities with innovative tech solutions in the name of freedom, democracy and justice in Ukraine, Europe and our shared planet.

Share your feedback: Reply to this email or request a Signal link to share on an encrypted line. Suggestions for future defense projects? Your voice matters!.

Разом до перемоги! (Together for Victory!)
– The DTU Team

Unsubscribe or manage preferences at the bottom of this email.