Earlier this month, Tech Tour proudly hosted the inaugural Tech Tour Deeptech & Defence 2024 event in Tallinn, Estonia. The event brought together visionary leaders, pioneering startups, and investors from across Europe. Among the standout participants was Skyeton, a global leader in the small tactical class of unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology. We had the privilege to sit down with Eugene Yakovlev, Chief Investment Officer at Skyeton, to discuss the company’s journey, achievements, and vision for the future.
Skyeton: Leading the Way in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Since its inception in 2006, Skyeton has established itself as a dominant player in the UAS market. Specializing in the small tactical class UASs with advanced stealth and AI capabilities, Skyeton’s unmanned systems called Raybird offer long-range reconnaissance and strike capabilities, providing critical solutions for defense applications. As Yakovlev shared, their cutting-edge unmanned aviation vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with multi-payload sensors, including optical, SAR, passive radar, and IR, ensuring precision even in challenging environments. Raybird is built to navigate enemy territory, with over 28 hours of flight time and constant software updates to adapt to evolving threats.
Adapting to Defense Needs: Skyeton’s Strategic Shift
With over 18 years of expertise, Skyeton has consistently evolved its strategy to meet market demands. A major turning point came after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading the company to pivot its civilian-focused technologies towards defense applications. In just a few months, Skyeton successfully transitioned its UAS solutions to meet the urgent needs of military clients, scaling production and launching new initiatives to address the demands of long-range artillery.
Yakovlev credits this rapid transformation to the company’s commitment to market feedback and its visionary founder, Alex Stepura, who consistently pushes the boundaries of UAS technology. As a result, Skyeton has scaled its production by 20 times over the past three years, while maintaining leadership in AI-driven solutions and expanding its global footprint with new facilities in Slovakia.
Innovation at the Core: Skyeton’s Unique Edge
Skyeton’s UAS technology is not just about hardware—it’s a holistic solution. According to Yakovlev, what truly sets them apart is their ability to offer both hardware and software innovations, producing over 90% of components in-house. This in-house production allows Skyeton to remain agile and responsive, continually improving its offerings to meet evolving defense needs.
One of Skyeton’s greatest advantages is the integration of AI precision into its UAVs, allowing for enhanced long-range targeting. This technological prowess, combined with the company’s continuous updates—around 400 changes per year—ensures that Skyeton stays ahead of the competition.
The Impact of Connecting at Tech Tour Events
For Skyeton, participating in Tech Tour events like Deeptech & Defence 2024 has been instrumental in driving growth. Yakovlev highlights the value of Tech Tour’s investment programs, which bring together smart investors and visionary thinkers. These events create a fantastic platform for companies like Skyeton to share their stories, showcase innovations, and build connections with potential partners and investors.
"By engaging with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can explore new ideas, strategies, and opportunities that can significantly enhance our business growth and drive innovation,” Yakovlev said. “Ultimately, these events create a supportive ecosystem that benefits everyone involved, paving the way for successful partnerships and advancements in technology.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Skyeton is focused on integrating its UAS solutions with other data sources, making its hardware smarter and more adaptable to market needs. The company’s vision goes beyond just selling UASs—it’s about offering clients a comprehensive solution that helps them achieve their objectives efficiently. As Yakovlev puts it, "We don’t just sell bricks; we help our clients build entire houses."
This philosophy, combined with Skyeton’s commitment to innovation and excellence, ensures that the company remains at the forefront of the UAS industry, driving real change in the defense sector.
Join the Innovation Journey
Skyeton’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptability, and strategic partnerships. Tech Tour Deeptech & Defence 2024 provided the perfect platform for Skyeton to connect with investors and partners, paving the way for future growth and technological advancements.
Stay tuned for more updates on success stories like Skyeton and the groundbreaking innovations emerging from the Tech Tour community. To stay in the know on our upcoming digital and deeptech programmes, sign up for our newsletter below.
