13/ And finally - this event was a super strong example that Ukraine has very strong cards - tens of kickass teams/products that will help Ukraine win this war! But we - Europe - need to step up with 50x more financing - investing, financing orders -NOW!

12/ The biggest value was indeed the 5,000+ visitors. With real and messy startup vibe. I can't remember any other event that would grow so fast - 3x in a year! It was so intensive that I did not even have time to visit even 1 talk or even look at the program at all - all about personal 1 on 1.

11/ Most of the companies showed products that are still very rough - not finished - but already having REAL combat tests. Most Ukrainian founders don't know the EU market, are bad at marketing/sales, but they are fast builders. As it is not a polished carnival like almost every other Defence event.

10/ My favourite product was definitely a 12-meter underwater drone from Toloka. With a range of up to 2,000 km & payload of up to 5 tons. And it was great to meet with Pink Flamingos indeed! And her family is much bigger than known. Wait for nice surprises.

9/ I had nonstop meetings with Ukrainian military who are extremely eager to use any new tech - DTV is the only Defence event in the world, where you can talk with soldiers who came directly from the frontline. Some elite units like Khartia, Azov, K2, 3rd Brigade, Achilles. Rarog even had stand.

8/ There was a very impressive lineup of bombers, but on the frontline Baba Yaga is still dominated by Vampires with 50% market share. And finally - the most needed thing is still CHEAP mid-strike: 60–200 km drones. BRING IT ON!

7/ There is still no clear winner who could replace DJI 4 ISR. Yes there are some promising products, but nothing at scale on the frontline yet. The interceptor segment seems to have the biggest growth in 2025 - ca 50 companies are building something but 5–7 are ahead of others with real combat hits

6/ Defence Valley was heavily dominated by drones, drones, drones. Countless FPVs, 60+ UGVs and everything around the drone ecosystem - parts, software. But there are still big challenges in some areas.

5/ European investors have understood that Defence Tech is hot. Especially European family offices, who were actively looking to make real deals. At least 20+ new VCs are cooking now.

4/ A growing number of the sharpest European founders are entering defence tech. And they understand that they have to spend most of their time in Ukraine. Some of the most interesting meetings I had were with folks from Germany & Norway, for example.

3/ Old EU Defence companies have still a huge challenge adapting to the speed of changes on the frontline. Their products are outdated & 10x more pricey - and not in high demand in Ukraine.

2/ Number of battle-proven Ukrainian Defence startups is still growing. More importantly - they keep developing new features & products so fast that sometimes it's difficult to recognise a company 6 months later.

*LandCruiser

Huge thank you for 50 000+ NAFO fellas who have helped! As average - 1 pickup truck could help to save 30-40 soldiers. So those cars have saved at least 20 000+ lives! Every single one of those cars is delivering hope to 🇺🇦 soldiers, that they are not alone! Soon 🇺🇦 will win!