Ukraine's Tencore secures $3.74M to expand NATO-certified defence robots
US companies are leading in terms of collaboration requests with Ukraine's defense industry for the first quarter of 2026, according to a survey conducted by the Technological Forces of Ukraine association. The survey, which involved 42 companies, revealed that 90% of domestic defense enterprises in Ukraine have received proposals for cooperation with foreign manufacturers. The highest level of interest came from the United States, accounting for 36% of all requests. Other major contributors include Germany, with 29%, and Denmark, with 21%. The top five countries seeking partnerships with Ukrainian defense firms also include the United Arab Emirates (19%) and the United Kingdom (17%). The survey also highlighted the preferred methods of cooperation among Ukrainian defense manufacturers. The most favored form of collaboration is direct export of goods, with 79% of the companies supporting this option. Additionally, 64% of companies expressed a preference for establishing joint ventures, while 43% are focusing on technology exports. In a related development, Ukrainian robotics manufacturer Tencore has secured a $3.74 million investment from the US-based venture capital firm MITS Capital, marking a significant milestone for Ukrainian defense technology. This investment represents the first direct contribution from a US venture fund to a Ukrainian defense technology company, made through a Ukrainian legal entity within Día.City, a government-backed innovation hub. Tencore plans to allocate the funds to expand its research and development activities and increase its production capacity. As one of Ukraine's leading developers of unmanned robotic platforms (NRK), the company is renowned for its TerMIT robotized platform, which has been deployed on the frontlines and is NATO-standard certified. The TerMIT platform is actively used by Ukrainian Defense Forces. Since it's inception, Tencore has produced over 3000 TerMIT units. At the same time, several Ukrainian companies have been ranked among The Defense Post's top 100 global firms in the field of drone technology. The prestigious list highlights companies excelling in air, land, and sea-based unmanned systems, noting their contributions to the defense industry's rapid advancements. Ukrainian companies such as TAF Drones, Ukrspecsystems, and Airlogix earned spots on the list, showcasing the country's growing influence in autonomous defense technologies. TAF Drones, ranked 22nd, is recognized for its FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and electronic warfare systems. Ukrspecsystems, ranked 65th, specializes in drones and military electronics, while Airlogix, placed 84th, is acknowledged for its 'HOR' unmanned aviation complex.
