The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine obtained its first patent for a unique technology to detect enemy FPV drones, known as “Vitriak M.” This innovative development, created by military engineers from the Center for Scaling Technological Solutions (CSTS), is already being deployed in the field, providing an additional advantage on the battlefield. 

“Vitriak M” is an advanced device that enables the detection of enemy FPV drones. It was developed by the military, for the military. In response to the enemy's increased use of various types of kamikaze drones, having a robust system for detecting such enemy assets is crucial to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” explained Valerii Churkin, head of the CSTS of the General Staff.

According to him, the device has already been codified and authorized for use within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This marks the first time a military unit has acted as the developer of a model of military hardware and successfully codified it as a supply item. 

The patent was made possible by the Ministry of Defense’s new Intellectual Property Division, established under the Main Directorate of Military Justice in September 2024. The division, which consists of nine personnel, four of whom are registered patent attorneys, is establishing a new practice of IP protection, which had previously been absent in independent Ukraine.

Prior to the full-scale invasion, there was virtually no system for intellectual property protection within the Ministry of Defense, posing a serious security risk to innovations. In February 2024, at the direction of Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, a study was conducted on the management and protection of intellectual property rights within the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The findings showed that the Ministry of Defense did not own any intellectual property rights, and no systematic work was being done in this area.

“We previously lacked a clear and effective system to protect defense-related developments. Now, we are implementing mechanisms that allow us to protect unique technologies created by our service members, so they aren’t lost or appropriated by third parties,” said Illia Kostin, head of the Intellectual Property Division of the Main Directorate of Military Justice.

Ukraine has signed 27 security agreements with various countries, ensuring the protection of defense technologies shared with Ukraine. This reflects significant trust from international partners and opens new possibilities for defense cooperation.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine guarantees the preservation and protection of intellectual property shared by partners, creating a reliable foundation for implementing technologies in the production and supply of defense equipment.

“This is extremely important for Ukraine, as now every service member and every military unit can bring their innovative developments to our division and receive protection. This establishes conditions for developing cutting-edge technologies that strengthen national defense and align with global standards,” explained Yurii Okhromeev, a senior officer in the Intellectual Property Division of the Main Directorate of Military Justice.

The beginning of intellectual property system reform within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense lays the groundwork for future advancements. In 2025, this direction is set to expand with the creation of an Intellectual Property Directorate within the Main Directorate of Military Justice. This approach, similar to practices already in place in the defense ministries of the United Kingdom and the United States, will facilitate more effective protection and implementation of technologies to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities.

Given the complexity of this process in wartime conditions, building a reliable intellectual property protection system is critically important for Ukraine. Technologies developed by the military in combat are highly valuable, and their protection prevents the risk of loss or unauthorized appropriation by third parties. In the long term, this will not only strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also contribute to its image as a technological state capable of creating innovative solutions for its own security and that of its partners.