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The Ukrainian–Latvian company DK Nejet is establishing an office in Trondheim. The company develops and manufactures advanced drone systems for military and dual-use applications and views Trondheim as a strategically important hub for further growth in the Nordic region and Europe, with a production target of 40,000 drones in 2026.

“Trondheim has a unique technology ecosystem,” says Alberts Spila, CSO and co-founder of DK Nejet. “The city combines strong technical expertise, leading research environments, and an active industrial base. We see many opportunities for collaboration and want to be an active part of Norway’s defence and technology landscape.”

For DK Nejet, establishing a presence in Norway is about becoming an integrated part of the industry and strengthening the company’s position as a global player, alongside its operations in Latvia and Ukraine.

Alberts Spila, CSO and co-founder of DK Nejet. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Scaling drone production

DK Nejet develops and produces several types of drones, including platforms for air-to-ground and air-to-air operations. The company currently has five operational drone platforms, with an additional five under development.

A key focus is a high level of automation, enabling a single operator to control up to 42 drones simultaneously. The systems can be integrated with sensors and radar, automatically identify targets, and execute precise operations following operator approval.

“Last year we produced 14,000 drones. This year, we are planning to triple production to around 40,000 drones,” says Spila.

DK Nejet’s standard drone, capable of carrying a 2 kg payload. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

See also: Launching a new unmanned surface vessel for mine countermeasures

Establishing in Trondheim

As part of the establishment in Trondheim, DK Nejet plans to open its local office in the near term and initially recruit two positions within project management and systems integration. The objective is to strengthen the company’s ability to integrate its own solutions with partner technologies in a faster and more robust way.

In the longer term, DK Nejet envisions Trondheim developing into a global integration hub, coordinating technology integrations across markets and regions.

Alberts Spila of DK Nejet presenting on the rapid development and challenges of drone warfare in Ukraine during Dark Drones in Trondheim. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Participated in Dark Drones and Dual-Use Meet-up in Trondheim

DK Nejet has already been visible in the Norwegian ecosystem through participation in the Norwegian-Ukrainian Defence and Dual-Use Meet-up and Dark Drones in Trondheim. Both events were organised by Ocean Autonomy Cluster in collaboration with NORDSEC – Nordic Defence and Security Cluster.

Demonstration of the company’s FPV (First Person View) drones during Dark Drones in Trondheim. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

During Dark Drones, Alberts Spila and DK Nejet shared insights into the rapid development and operational challenges of drone warfare in Ukraine. The company also presented and demonstrated its own drone systems.

Nyhavna in Trondheim seen from a DK Nejet FPV drone. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

The conference focused on challenges related to operating and detecting drones in demanding conditions and brought together a wide range of actors showcasing drone technologies for operations in the air, on the surface, and below the surface.

“We experienced strong interest in our solutions and see significant potential for collaboration in Norway,” says Spila.

Read also: Ukrainian and Norwegian technology companies met in Trondheim to strengthen defence cooperation

Watch NRK’s feature and interview with Alberts Spila during Dark Drones

Photo: NRK