KYIV, Ukraine

Stepping into the compact production facility, an unremarkable hallway unexpectedly opens up to reveal a dynamic drone manufacturing operation.

Hobby-style quadcopter drones are stacked alongside tables strewn with tools, electronic components, and various parts. A Ukrainian flag adorns one wall.

This improvised yet advanced “factory” serves as the operational hub for 3DTech, a Ukrainian company focused on producing explosive-laden drones to bolster the military’s efforts against Russian aggression.

The weapons sector in Ukraine is experiencing rapid growth, comprised of numerous establishments similar to this one. While certain companies utilize traditional factory spaces, many operate out of more modest workshops. Drone manufacturers are developing reconnaissance units, bombing drones, standard quadcopters equipped with explosives, fiber-optic drones, and even AI-driven systems.

Business Insider visited 3DTech’s facility recently and engaged with several personnel, including the CEO and chief engineer.

3DTech specializes in making first-person view (FPV) drones. These drones have become essential on the battlefield, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces using them to deliver explosives from a distance into nearby enemy positions or armored vehicles. Amid the challenges of depleting traditional weapon stockpiles, these unmanned systems have emerged as cost-efficient but powerful precision tools.

Upon completion, the drones are transported to an external testing site near Kyiv, where they undergo trials in realistic settings. This crucial phase allows the company to verify their readiness for actual combat scenarios.

Adjacent to the fiber-optic spool production area, staff members at 3DTech can be observed assembling coils for the fiber-optic drones. These coils are designed differently depending on the type of drone. Some of the fiber-optic drones boast a range exceeding 15 miles and can carry multiple pounds of explosives, with the capability to cause significant damage to troop formations or armored vehicles.