Ukraine showcases its new battlefield tested technologies at EDIF event in the Hague

Ukraine has unveiled its new defense technologies at the inaugural European Defense Innovation Forum (EDIF) in the Netherlands.

On September 25, The Hague hosted the 1st European Defense Innovation Forum (EDIF). A unique event in itself, it brought together key players in the European and Ukrainian defense industries, research institutions, and startups, as well as investors and government officials. The central theme of the inaugural forum was to promote collaborative development and production of defense technologies and strengthen international cooperation in the security sector. The inaugural forum took place in The Hague on September 25, 2025, and heavily featured Ukraine's role in the future of European security. 

Ukraine unveiled its new defense products, including particularly the technologies tested in real-world battlefield scenarios. The event, which brought together 183 companies from the Netherlands and 48 companies from Ukraine, aimed to facilitate collaborations in defense technologies production; integrate innovations and technologies proven on the Ukrainian battlefield into the broader European defense industry in response to modern security threats; simplify certification procedures and access to defense procurements; strengthen international partnerships; upgrade and update existing technologies to meet the operational needs of frontline forces; scale up production; deepen and expand the strategic partnership between Ukraine, the Netherlands and other European countries.

The EDIF has the potential to become a regular platform for the exchange of skills, knowledge, technologies and resources that could lead to faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective production of next-generation systems, the organizers say, adding that an effective security system in Europe is impossible without international cooperation, technological flexibility and constant updating of solutions in accordance with the challenges of the time.

HORROR IN THE AIR FOR THE RUSSIANS – UKRAINIAN DRONE “VAMPIRE”

At the European Defense Innovation Forum (EDIF), visitors were welcomed by the Ukrainian drone “Vampire”, which has already gained a reputation as a real horror for the Russian occupiers. A representative of SkyFall, the company that produces “Vampires, says that this drone is so effective and lethal that the Russians have created a separate special force whose only purpose is to counter them. Enemy soldiers call it "Baba Yaga" for its ability to "hunt at night" and deliver ammunition drops on enemy positions with high accuracy, SkyFall claims.

*  For your information: In traditional Slavik folklore, Baba Yaga is a powerful, supernatural being most commonly depicted as a fearsome old woman or witch who lives deep in the forest. She travels through the air in a giant mortar, steering it with a pestle and using a broom to sweep away her tracks. She can be a cannibalistic ogress who steals and eats children, but some interpretations suggest she is a guardian who lives at the gateway between the worlds of the living and the dead. In the context of the war in Ukraine, "Baba Yaga" is the nickname given to several heavy bomber drones used by Ukrainian forces. Several drone models are referred to as "Baba Yaga," including Aerorozvidka R18, Kazhan, Nemesis, and Vampire.  These drones are used by Ukrainian forces to drop munitions on Russian military positions, vehicles, and infrastructure. Ukrainian soldiers and commanders gave the drones the nickname because of their distinctive sound and the fear they instill in Russian troops. The name also alludes to the myth's ambiguous and unpredictable nature. 

“In addition, the Vampires are used for remote mining of key approaches to our positions. The Russians begin their assault, run over Vampire-installed mines which blow up, and thus our troops thwart these assaults. Another mission is humanitarian, which is the delivery of food and medicines to our soldiers in the field. In one such instance, Vampires delivered blood for transfusion. And thanks to this, the transfusion was successfully performed and the soldier patient’s live was saved. Alongside this, Vampires are used for cargo transport. We know that one of the brigades transported four tons of cargo within a month using the Vampires. This includes water, food, medicines, and even shovels to dig trenches,” the SkyFall company representative says.

“The name “Vampire” came from the military. In fact, the first “Vampires” were born in a garage, and at first they didn’t have any name at all — just drone 1, drone 2, drone 3. Then a serviceman requested one drone for user evaluation, saying, “Can you give me that huge black vampire?” That’s how the name came about. The first “Vampires” flew to the frontline on July 6, 2022. Initially, the idea was to make a drone that would hang in the air on a cable, observing what was happening around. But then we realized: if it can hang, then why not attach some bombs and drop them on the Russians’ heads? We started testing — and that’s where this idea originated,” says a representative of the “Vampires” manufacturer SkyFall, who requested his name be withheld for security reasons.

He says that the Netherlands is one of the first countries to systematically support the Ukrainian defense industry, and Ukrainian manufacturers are able to fulfill individual requests from particular Armed Forces of Ukraine units.

“We are very grateful to the Netherlands, because it is one of the first countries to provide a real boost to Ukrainian armed forces capacity, to strengthen Ukraine by funding the purchase of effective means for use by frontline units. For example, we have a contract with the Netherlands that directly meets the needs of particular units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These units are independent in choosing what means they needed, and we as a company provide for their needs. Today we also unveiled the Shrike drones, which are regarded as some of the most effective drones that successfully maintain a leading position in terms of destroying enemy equipment and manpower. Today we put out thousands of Vampires per month, in addition to thousands of strike drones produced every day. We also have the P1-SUN - a drone optimized for intercepting Shahed UAVs, which already has a history of successful interceptions. We are currently working on improving it. And we are convinced it won’t be long before these drones begin shooting down Russian Shaheds in massive quantities. It is advantageous in that it is cheap and easy to use, and we can produce them by the thousands per day,” The SkyFall company representative has said.

The company describes the P1-SUN a true technological breakthrough that integrates simplicity in production with high combat effectiveness, and its presentation in the Netherlands left a strong impression of the forum participants.

YOU IMPLEMENT AN INNOVATTION IN A MATTER OF TWO WEEKS, AND THAT’S WHAT MAKES UKRAINE ESSENTIAL FOR US

Dutchman Marijn Markus is regarded as one of the most influential and strong social media voices who use their platforms to debunk the Kremlin’s disinformation about the war in Ukraine. He publishes several posts daily containing up-to-date information and in-depth analysis. At Capgemini NL, he has been artificial intelligence leader for over 7 years. Marijn is also a frequent speaker at events on artificial intelligence and data science. Using the examples from contemporary conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, Marijn Markus shows how technology has become the new battlefield.

In addition to analytical and educational activities, Mr. Markus helps provide modern drones to forward units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“We showcased several technologies related to drones. These are startups that specialize in different areas: extending flight time by using more capacious batteries, local production and procurement of drones based on their own unique technologies, state-of-the-art sensors that can determine the direction of sound, for example, can detect hostile drones by audio signals. And there is also the DroneAid Collective initiative — my favorite. It is engaged in fundraising for the production of drones directly for Ukraine. These are used by the 85th Airborne Assault Brigade among others. Volunteers and veterans are involved in this process. Some of them are veterans who are undergoing rehabilitation treatment here [in the Netherlands]. For example, one guy lost his legs, but still wants to help his country. So they are given training in assembling drones, and master classes are organized. On the one hand, it is inspiring, because people want to get involved. And on the other, it is an educational process: they are taught to connect wires, to program, and to understand software. These skills will be in demand not only in Ukraine, but throughout Europe," Marijn Markus told Ukrinform in an exclusive comment.

He also stressed that “this is not just Ukraine’s war — it’s the war of all of Europe.”

“The focus now is, of course, on Ukraine. But we’ve seen drones flying over Poland, MiGs flying over Estonia, drones flying over Denmark. This is a European war, whether we like it or not. We have one Europe, and only one chance to defend it — together, as Europeans. That’s why I’m here — to support.”

It’s Ukraine’s ability to think quickly, act unconventionally, and innovate that makes it an indispensable ally in a common struggle, says Mr. Markus.

“As for the speakers at the forum, I noticed a big difference. Most of the Dutch speakers talk from a theoretical point of view - about politics, dual purpose, cooperation. Ukrainian speakers are extremely practical, because you don’t have years to develop. You have two weeks to implement an innovation... That’s why we all need Ukraine. Because Ukraine can do what we can’t, can think and act outside the box... We’re all involved in this together, and I just want to help ensure peace in our time. My grandparents fought during World War II, and I don’t want my children to ever ask me: “Dad, what did you do during the biggest war in Europe since World War II?” — and I would repliy: “I was watching a movie and complaining about gas prices,” Marijn said.

During one of the panel discussions, the participants were asked, “What can we learn from the Ukrainians?” The answer from the Dutch company representatives was unanimous.

“We talk a lot, but they act,” said one of the speakers, a representative of a Dutch company.

Another added, “Sometimes you just have to stop talking. When you have boxes of ammunition in front of you — don’t think, but pick one up and carry it. Get your hands out of your pockets and start acting.”

UKRAINIAN DRONES, EW SYSTEMS AND SEARCH FOR PARTNERSHIPS

A representative of TAF Industries, the Ukrainian military technology company manufacturing FPV drones, kamikaze drones, strike and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as electronic warfare (EW) systems, has praised the high level of technological expertise in the Netherlands. According to him, several leading institutions work here, creating truly unique technologies that can be integrated into indigenous products of our own.

“The technological component is extremely essential for us. We have the opportunity not only to invest in our own technology, but also solicit readily available technologies or purchase them for licensed manufacturing. Cooperation with Dutch science and technology centers gives tangible results that can significantly strengthen the potential of Ukrainian defense solutions.

It's mostly about software. I think you may know that one of the biggest threats currently facing Ukraine comes from Russian Shahed drone attacks. And one of the most difficult challenges is to intercept massive quantities of these drones in the air before they reach our cities.

We are looking for such solutions both in and outside of Ukraine, because this is a pretty high-tech story. So we are trying to handle this both with the help of Ukrainian startups and teams, and with the help of Dutch ones among others,” Mr. Mykhailo told Ukrinform in an exclusive comment.

What brought TAF Industries to participate in the European Defense Innovation Forum is to establish contacts, expand the partner network, and get to know a little more about Europe’s technological landscape. The firm has showed off its main products in a recent exhibition in Lviv, and also holds demonstration days for international partners on a regular basis. Mr. Mykhailo says TAF is rated among the top biggest manufacturers of FPV kamikaze drones in Ukraine, including particularly the FPV drone “Kolibri”, with a production rate exceeding 80,000 units per month.

In turn, representatives of the Ukrainian company Zavada, which produces electronic warfare (EW) systems and FPV drones, say that they are constantly working upgrading and updating their products. So they came to the Netherlands in search of new collaborations and new expertise.

“We have a lot of requests from the military who want our product, because it has shown itself, proven its effectiveness on the frontline. It is essential that a high-quality product can reach the military as soon as possible,” representatives of “Zavada” emphasize.

In addition to financial support, Ukrainian manufacturers are looking for opportunities to reduce reliance on Chinese components, considering the idea of establishing industrial partnerships with international partners, from the Netherlands in particular, to strengthen the stability of supply and facilitate technological independence.

UKRAINE – AN INDISPENSABLE PARTNER IN PROTECTING EUROPEAN SECURITY

During his speech at EDIF in The Hague, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Yuri Myronenko emphasized that, amid the all-out war in Ukraine, innovations have become a critical condition for survival.

“Ukraine has become an outpost of game-changing solutions: high-tech defense equipment and autonomous systems. The nature of warfare in Ukraine is constantly changing — and it is our ability to adapt faster than the enemy that determines our superiority,” Myronenko noted.

He emphasized that Ukraine has transformed from a consumer of defense products into an indispensable partner in protecting European security.

He also spoke about successful initiatives such as “Build with Ukraine” and “Build in Ukraine” -- a strategic framework designed to transform Ukraine's defense industry. Instead of simply receiving military aid, Ukraine is positioning itself as an indispensable partner in European security by fostering joint production with international defense companies. This initiative focuses on establishing joint production lines for Ukrainian military technologies in partner countries, primarily within the EU. Ukraine exports its combat-proven military technologies, particularly in areas like drones, missiles, and artillery, to be manufactured abroad. European partners invest in and manufacture Ukrainian weapons systems, which helps scale up production and equip Ukraine's armed forces more efficiently. Ukraine invites international defense companies to establish production facilities inside the country, leveraging the practical experience gained from real combat conditions. The initiatives provide Ukraine with access to international investment and technologies, allowing it to move from import dependency to large-scale production. It creates deeper, more resilient supply chains and allows Ukraine to integrate its innovative military technologies with NATO and EU defense programs. Combining Ukraine's real-world combat experience with European engineering can lead to faster, more efficient, and cost-effective production of next-generation weapons systems.

Myronenko noted that Dutch investments in Ukrainian technologies, such as interceptor drones, help save lives and strengthen Ukraine’s resilience.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, for his part, while emphasizing the growing threat from Russia and the need to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities, said that not only does Ukraine demonstrate resilience, but also a technological superiority in contemporary warfare.

“We see that Ukraine is far ahead of us in its ability to effectively counter these threats. Ukraine has the technology, drones, anti-drone systems and operational skills to defend the country in its entirety. While NATO has to scramble F-35s and F-16s to neutralize cheap drones. I, as defense minister, am very proud of what our F-35 pilots are capable of. But we must work on more effective ways to protect our skies. And the only way to do this is through the knowledge, experience and skills of Ukrainians,” Brekelmans emphasized.

He noted that in recent weeks, more and more European countries are feeling the Russian threat getting too close.

“Airspace intrusions by drones. Russian fighter jets entering NATO territory. Unidentified drones flying near airports. This raises fundamental questions that need to be answered. How best to respond? How to deter Russia from further advances? And at the same time - how to avoid a major escalation? Do we have the necessary military means to counter these threats? These recent events have also become a powerful reminder of two more things. First, of the scale and brutality of Russian aggression that Ukraine faces every day. Some European countries are already nervous over a few drones. And Ukraine is being attacked by hundreds of drones every day, combined with cruise and ballistic missiles,” he stressed.

The Minister also noted, “I am always impressed by their (Ukrainians - ed.) fighting spirit, their perseverance. And, moreover, their ability to innovate. After all, they are not only fighting a much larger and stronger enemy - they have also been able to create a defense industry, often from scratch, using the latest technologies. In the rest of Europe, we must adopt much more of this spirit. Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. We must act now.”

How to act is a topic that remained relevant even after the official closure of the forum: lively discussions continued in the halls and corridors. Participants shared ideas and discussed specific steps in response to modern challenges and threats.

Iryna Drabok, The Hague

Photo via the Author and Lera Manzovitova