ZenaTech Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA) announced plans to establish a testing facility in Ukraine for drone testing and operational validation of its defense systems, according to a company press release. The facility will complement the company's previously announced manufacturing operations in the country.

The testing facility is intended to validate ZenaTech's Interceptor P-1 and other drone defense systems in what the company describes as an active operational environment. The Interceptor P-1 is a one-way expendable interceptor drone targeted to sell for under $5,000.

"Ukraine represents an unparalleled testing and validation environment for defense drone systems," said Shaun Passley, ZenaTech CEO. "By conducting our drone testing and product validation in this environment, we gain a level of real-world operational credibility that cannot be replicated in a laboratory or controlled airspace."

ZenaTech is working with legal and compliance experts to structure its Ukraine operations and coordinate testing authorization through the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the State Aviation Authority of Ukraine. The company stated it is leveraging accelerated regulatory frameworks available to defense drone programs under martial law.

The company plans to manufacture counter-UAS platforms designed to defeat hostile drones at lower costs than conventional missile-based interception systems. ZenaTech indicated it intends to pursue defense customers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

ZenaTech specializes in AI drone solutions, Drone as a Service, enterprise software, and quantum computing solutions. The company operates through offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and the UAE.