Croatian company Orqa announced plans to produce up to 1 million FPV drones annually without relying on Chinese components. The company is launching a Global Manufacturing Partnership Program, which includes participation from the U.S. Army and partners in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Why It Matters
The initiative represents a direct challenge to Ukrainian FPV drone manufacturers, which produced around 3 million unmanned aircraft in 2025. Orqa’s emphasis on supply chains free from Chinese components and localization could give it a competitive advantage in global markets while simplifying logistics and easing regulatory hurdles.
What To Know
Orqa currently produces approximately 280,000 FPV drones per year. Through partnerships and local production, the company aims to scale this to 1 million units annually. Localization of manufacturing is expected to reduce dependency on Chinese supplies and facilitate access to regional markets.
The company’s strategy also highlights technology transfer and a commitment to sustainable supply chains. By ensuring that drones are free from Chinese components, Orqa is positioning itself as a reliable alternative for military and commercial customers worldwide.
According to Defense Express, this move signals heightened competition for Ukrainian drone producers, who remain leaders in unmanned aircraft technology but may face pressure from new international players expanding their footprint.
What People Are Saying
Tufan Ayrik, a representative at Orqa, said: “We aim to create the first sustainable supply chains for FPV drones completely free from Chinese supplies, while expanding our global partnerships to meet increasing demand.”
Defense Express analysts noted: “While Ukraine maintains advanced production capabilities, companies like Orqa show that global competition will intensify, especially for localized and China-independent manufacturing.”
What Happens Next
Orqa plans to implement global production across partner facilities, with the U.S. Army’s SkyFoundry program potentially aiding technology development and scaling. The first expansions are expected to materialize in 2026 as partnerships take effect.
