Evolve Dynamics incorporates entity in Ukraine
Surrey based UAV manufacturer Evolve Dynamics has announced the incorporation of its new Ukrainian entity, having had a presence in the country since 2017 and serving an active role in the current conflict since it began in 2022.
Above: Evolve Dynamics’ founder Mike Dewhirst is pictured in Kyiv’s central square, Maydan Nezalezhnosti, in July 2024.
Courtesy Evolve Dynamics
A British company with a long history in Ukraine, Evolve Dynamics was founded in response to the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014. Founder Mike Dewhirst was inspired to utilise his passion for - and deep knowledge of - technology to support the Ukrainian resistance, which led to him starting Evolve Dynamics in 2016, a business dedicated to providing Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) support to the Ukrainian military with its flagship platform, Sky Mantis.
Some 10 years later, Evolve Dynamics now employs over 50 staff in the UK, with a further 20 team members based in Ukraine and this year launched its new SKY MANTIS 2 UAV to the international market, with technology developed and tested on the front line in Ukraine. The incorporation of the new Ukrainian entity underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the country and its position as a market leader in the design and supply of UAV technology for military operations.
Benefits of a team on the ground
The company’s team in Ukraine, some of whom have themselves seen active service in the current conflict, has endured through the challenges of operating in a country disrupted by war and the personal difficulties that that entails. This team includes specialists in software development, aero mechanical engineering, training, piloting, and customer support, all working to deliver a full in-country service to military end users on the front line.
The team fosters close working relationships with military units to develop a deep understanding of their operations, and to be able to iterate technology rapidly in order to meet specific and constantly evolving requirements. This dedicated in-country support, delivered in users’ native language, is vital to ensuring the technology’s usability, reliability and relevance.
Tech tested on the frontline
The company’s newly-released flagship platform, SKY MANTIS 2, benefits from technology that was developed in direct response to the challenges that are experienced by front line UAV operators in Ukraine. SKY MANTIS 2 comes with a Doodle Labs Helix Mesh Rider Radio fitted as standard, a low-SWaP radio that was rigorously tested in the field in Ukraine in collaboration with Evolve Dynamics, ensuring its resilience to active jamming efforts. This radio is supplied separate to the controller, in order to enhance the safety of the user.
Support for Ukraine
Evolve Dynamics’ founder, CEO and CTO Mike Dewhirst commented: “This is a very proud moment for us as we formally establish our operations in Ukraine, consolidating our team’s dedicated work over the past ten years. We would like to pay tribute to the strength and courage of our team in Ukraine, and to renew our unwavering support for the armed forces and people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava! Smert’ voroham.”
MSPO
Evolve Dynamics is exhibiting at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Poland 3rd-6th September 2024. A key event for the global defence industry, this year’s edition takes place against the backdrop of the continuing
conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East.