UNIMOT partners with Ivchenko-Progress to produce AI-04G drone jet engines in Poland

Strategic entry into drone propulsion

Polish fuel operator UNIMOT is expanding its presence in the defence industry through the development of the AI-04G turbojet engine program. The initiative aims to establish domestic serial manufacturing of small jet propulsion units in Poland, primarily for use in unmanned aerial systems. UNIMOT is executing the venture in cooperation with the Ukrainian design bureau JSC Ivchenko-Progress. This partnership encompasses the full transfer of technology and technical know-how, alongside the development of domestic engineering, construction, and assembly capabilities. By setting up local production lines, the project positions Polish industry within a critical segment of the supply chain for modern unmanned systems.

The defence sector is one of the areas where we expect growing demand for technologies, production capacities, and products in the coming years. I am convinced that combining the production capabilities of PZL Sędziszów, the competencies of PZL Defence, and the experience and business contacts of Unimot will allow us to create an integrated platform supporting the domestic defence industry.

Industrial restructuring and share transaction

The propulsion project is anchored in an industrial platform that UNIMOT is building around PZL Sędziszów and PZL Defence. On 1 October 2026, UNIMOT completed a corporate transaction by taking a 34.2% equity stake in PZL Sędziszów S.A. in exchange for 100% of the share capital of PZL Defence S.A. The transaction carries an agreed valuation of close to 50 million PLN. Through this arrangement, PZL Sędziszów brings established production facilities, specialized testing and quality laboratories, and extensive experience in the precision manufacturing of mechanical components. Furthermore, PZL Sędziszów holds an official concession from the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) authorizing the production and commercial distribution of military-grade equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

Advanced manufacturing and technology partnerships

PZL Defence operates as the technical arm focused on specialized defence and dual-use technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, unmanned ground vehicles, drone jet engines, and anti-drone countermeasure systems. In parallel with the Ukrainian engine partnership, UNIMOT and PZL Defence are collaborating with the American company Divergent Technologies. The partners are evaluating the potential deployment in Poland of the DAPS manufacturing platform. This advanced system integrates 3D metal printing technology with automated robotic assembly processes to support domestic defence manufacturing.

We are developing our competencies, among others, in the area of unmanned aerial vehicles and ground vehicles, jet engines, and anti-drone systems.

Capital market roadmap for PZL Defence Holding

UNIMOT intends to convert PZL Sędziszów into PZL Defence Holding to serve as the unified operating vehicle for its defence sector portfolio. The holding company will combine manufacturing assets, engineering know-how, research and development projects, and a strategy for sectoral consolidation through future acquisitions. Following the consolidation of operations and corporate structures, UNIMOT plans to list the equity of PZL Defence Holding on the NewConnect alternative trading floor. In a subsequent stage of development, the group intends to transfer the listing to the main market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW).