Montenegro will manufacture unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for Ukraine and NATO under a newly signed agreement with a US firm, backed by up to $15 million in American military aid through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, the Montenegrin Government reports.

Militarnyi reports that on 29 May, the Government of Montenegro approved a letter of intent to invest in UAS production in cooperation with US-based By Light Professional IT Services LLC. The Montenegrin government confirmed that the first batch of drones produced under this initiative will be donated to Ukraine.

The plan reportedly involves a joint effort between two Montenegrin companies (Tara Aerospace and Polimex) and two US firms (By Light and 4WINDS LLC). By Light will contribute its expertise in vertical takeoff drones (HALO series) and FPV drones (PERSES). 4WINDS LLC is expected to establish a Montenegrin subsidiary to support the implementation.

Deal aligns with Podgorica’s Ukraine support

According to the Montenegrin Government’s document, the deal aligns with national goals to support NATO, Ukraine, and regional security while fostering a new sector of economic growth.

Montenegro confirmed its legislation allows the production and export of military equipment and hazardous materials. 

The production and export of arms will follow the country’s national arms control list, harmonized with the European Union’s Common Military List. Additional legislation is under preparation and is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.