What Athlon Avia does

Athlon Avia (legal name: LLC SPC Athlon Avia / ТОВ НВП Атлон Авіа) is a privately held Ukrainian Scientific-Production Enterprise headquartered in Kyiv that designs and manufactures tactical unmanned aerial systems for military use. Founded in 2013-2014, the company specializes in ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance) and artillery fire correction platforms, with its flagship product being the A1-CM Furia flying-wing UAS — a 5.5 kg airframe built from fiberglass, carbon fiber, and kevlar composites, featuring AES256-encrypted command links, multi-constellation GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou/QZSS/SBAS), autonomous optical-flow navigation, and configurable day/thermal/photo payloads. The product portfolio has expanded to include the ST-35 Silent Thunder loitering munition (vertical-launch, 95% target-hit probability, FAE/HEAT/HEF warhead options), the SR-1200 multicopter, and the next-generation Furia-2 (A2-C), each delivered as an integrated system with the proprietary GCS-3 ground control station and tracking antenna system.

Athlon Avia's business model is direct enterprise sales to government defense institutions, almost exclusively under Ukraine's State Defense Order mechanism. The company has executed more than 20 contracts and produced over 100 systems of various modifications since 2014 for the Armed Forces, National Guard, and Security Service of Ukraine, with Furia deployed across more than 100 brigades. The A1-CM Furia was officially adopted by the Armed Forces in April 2020 following state testing, and the company holds the 2018 Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Prize for innovation in mini-class UAV production. Internationally, Athlon Avia is pursuing export markets through NCAGE registration, an export control certificate, EU/NATO-standard compliance for its latest modification, and active participation in MSPO Poland, exhibitions in Denmark, and Defence Expo Sweden 2026, supported by a dedicated Deputy Director for International Market Development and cluster partnerships with NAUDI, Brave1, and ZBROYA. The company has no disclosed external funding rounds and operates as a privately held LLC with 51-100 employees.

Name

Athlon Avia

Legal name

LLC SPC Athlon Avia

Website

https://athlonavia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Athlon Avia is a Kyiv-based Ukrainian defense manufacturer of tactical unmanned aerial systems, producing the Furia reconnaissance UAS, ST-35 loitering munition, and SR-1200 multicopter for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, and Security Service under State Defense Order contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kyiv

HQ country

Ukraine

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. UAS Hardware Sales: Direct sale of unmanned aerial systems including A1-CM Furia, ST-35 Silent Thunder, and related components to military and defense customers. Revenue primarily from State Defense Order contracts and government procurement.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Athlon Avia designs and manufactures tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, artillery fire correction, and precision strike. Its core offerings are the A1-CM Furia ISTAR UAS and the ST-35 Silent Thunder loitering munition, complemented by the SR-1200 multicopter and Furia-2 (A2-C) second-generation model, each delivered as a complete system with configurable optical/thermal payloads, ground control station, and antenna tracking. Products are sold primarily to the Armed Forces, National Guard, and Security Service of Ukraine under State Defense Order contracts, with international expansion through European defense exhibitions.

Product overview

Athlon Avia is a Ukrainian Scientific-Production Enterprise that develops and manufactures unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military applications since 2013. The product portfolio centers on the Furia family of UAS (A1-CM Furia and Furia-2) for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and artillery fire adjustment, complemented by the ST-35 Silent Thunder loitering munition for precision strikes, and the SR-1200 Multicopter for reconnaissance operations. Each UAS is offered as a complete system with configurable payloads (daytime optical, nighttime thermal, and photo camera modules), ground control stations (GCS-3), antenna systems, and supporting equipment. The company provides full lifecycle support including technical maintenance, repair, and operator training services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• A1-CM Furia Unmanned Aerial System Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance) and artillery fire correction, sold to military and defense institutions. Flying wing design, 5.5 kg takeoff weight, 50 km operation radius, up to 3 hours flight time, 200 km route length, AES256 encrypted command line, multi-constellation GNSS, autonomous optical-flow navigation, and integration with artillery fire control systems. Updated A1-SM (2025) variant provides up to 4 hours flight time and 240 km mission range.
• ST-35 Silent Thunder Loitering Munition Loitering munition UAS designed to destroy particularly important and valuable targets in closed positions. Vertical take-off via multi-rotor UAV with X-layout biplane for high horizontal flight rates, 9.5 kg takeoff weight, 3.5 kg warhead, up to 60 minutes flight time, up to 50 km range. Supports FAE, HEAT, and HEF warhead types with 95% target-hit probability via automatic target detection on TV/IR channel and autonomous dive mode.
• SR-1200 Multicopter Multicopter unmanned aerial system designed for reconnaissance missions with vertical launch capabilities, presented at MSPO 2025 and Defence Tech Valley 2025 exhibitions.
• Furia-2 (A2-C) UAS Second-generation Furia UAS model with improved specifications compared to the A1-CM version, presented at 2025 international and Ukrainian defense exhibitions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3000 flight hours without loss of UAV
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• National Museum of History of Ukraine in WWIIminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2026Partnership to establish Museum of Modern Military Technologies exhibition. Athlon Avia donated Furia drone for display. Memorandum signed between co-founder Artem Vyunnuk and museum director Yuri Savchuk.
• Kyiv Aviation Institute (КАІ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 April 2026Joint establishment of AVIA Lab - aviation modeling laboratory at the National University Kyiv Aviation Institute. Students study aircraft models, create their own samples, develop projects, practice flights, and compete in university hangar. First two groups combined over 60 students. Second group included over 30 participants from other universities including KPI, KNU, KSE, and even schoolchildren. Part of long-term company strategy for engineering education development.
• Chornyi Lis (15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 October 2025Long-standing fruitful cooperation formalized through memorandum signed between Colonel Oleksandr Popov of Chornyi Lis and Artem Vyunnuk, co-founder of Athlon Avia. Partnership ensures 100% combat readiness of UAV Furia A1-SM and improves effectiveness of reconnaissance and artillery fire correction. Athlon Avia provides tools, equipment, and training to Chornyi Lis specialists.
• Ministry of Defence of UkrainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore government partner for State Defense Order contracts and system adoption. Joint decision signed with Ministry in February 2020 for state testing and adoption of A1-CM Furia by Armed Forces.
• Armed Forces of UkrainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary military customer adopting Furia system in 2020. Long-term operational relationship with combat feedback loop for continuous product improvement.
• National Guard of UkrainemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly adopter - new unmanned aerial vehicles officially adopted by National Guard in summer 2015 with first five A1-C systems delivered to Armed Forces.
• Security Service of UkrainemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived two specially developed systems under state contract for SSU in 2017.
• Technological Forces of UkrainemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport partner for Joint Ventures, Joint Defence forum and European cooperation initiatives.
• NAUDI (National Association of Defense Industry of Ukraine)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint exhibition participation at MSPO 2025, Security 2.0, and other defense events. NAUDI initiates demonstration exhibitions of Ukrainian manufacturers.
• Brave1majorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganizer of Defence Tech Valley 2025 summit - largest defense technology exhibition in Ukraine's history with 5000 participants from 50 countries.
• ZBROYA (Ukrainian Defence Manufacturers' Council)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRepresented at national stand under ZBROYA brand at European exhibition in Denmark. Partnership for promoting Ukrainian weapons worldwide.
• Kyiv City Military AdministrationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in organizing training and methodology gatherings for pilot training program updates. First Deputy Head Andriy Tkachov moderated working groups.
• National Technical University of Ukraine 'Kyiv Polytechnic Institute named after Igor Sikorsky'minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in training methodology sessions for pilot training programs. Leading technical university with expertise in aviation, robotics, and defense technologies.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PDL Aero: Ukrainian tactical UAS manufacturer offering fixed-wing reconnaissance UAVs for military and border security applications. Direct competitor to Athlon Avia in the same domestic procurement market and identical Ukrainian military customer base.
• AeroVironment: US-listed tactical UAS company producing Puma, Raven, and Switchblade loitering munitions for US and allied forces. Switchblade is a near-direct competitor to Athlon Avia's ST-35 Silent Thunder, while Puma/Raven compete with the Furia reconnaissance family.
• Quantum Systems: German defense tech startup producing fixed-wing and VTOL tactical UAS (Vector, Scorpion, Trinity) sold to German Bundeswehr and NATO allies. Closely comparable product profile to Furia and strongest European peer for fixed-wing reconnaissance UAVs.
• Aeronautics Ltd (Rafael): Israeli tactical UAS and loitering munition specialist (Orbiter 3, Orbiter 1K) acquired by Rafael. Orbiter 1K directly mirrors the ST-35 Silent Thunder concept and target set, making Aeronautics the closest international competitor in the loitering munition segment Athlon Avia is expanding into.
• Shield AI: US defense tech company fielding autonomous tactical UAS (V-BAT) and Hivemind autonomy software for US DoD and allies. Competes with Athlon Avia for autonomous reconnaissance and ISR contracts and represents the well-capitalized autonomy-enabled peer Athlon must contend with internationally.
• Tekever: Portuguese dual-use UAS startup providing ARX and ATLAN fixed-wing ISR drones to European defense and security customers. Closely aligned as a European tactical UAS competitor targeting NATO governments with ISTAR offerings comparable to the Furia family.
• Skyeton: Ukrainian tactical fixed-wing UAS maker (Raybird, Kolibri) supplying Ukrainian Armed Forces since the early stages of the conflict. Direct domestic peer competing for the same State Defense Order contracts Athlon Avia holds.

Broad incumbents

• Baykar: Turkish defense prime producing Bayraktar TB2/Mini, Akinci and Kizilelma UAS for global military customers. A larger incumbent in the same tactical-UAS category with established foreign export contracts, representing the global benchmark Athlon Avia must be benchmarked against in international tenders.
• Elbit Systems: Israeli defense prime with Hermes 450/900 tactical UAS line and an established international customer base across NATO and Asia-Pacific. A broad incumbent offering overlapping capabilities (tactical reconnaissance UAS, loitering munitions) within a much wider portfolio.
• Anduril Industries: US defense tech prime fielding autonomous UAS (Ghost, Bolt) plus Lattice software for US DoD, UK, and Australia. Represents the well-funded emerging broader incumbent competing for tactical reconnaissance contracts globally.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCz5BO7gS6evc7nW8gLqX1zQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/athlonavia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/athlon-avia

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Athlon Avia