What happened
Ukrainian companies The Fourth Law and Odd Systems announced Project Foundation to develop and produce uncooled thermal imaging sensors (microbolometers) in Europe and the U.S. The network is designed to make uncooled thermal imaging sensors at partner semiconductor fabs and company-owned facilities, using shared technology and sensor designs. Project Foundation is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and says it will draw on local semiconductor infrastructure and specialists. First production is planned for 2027, with three-year targets of fourfold production growth in Europe and twofold growth in the U.S.
Why it matters
The initiative targets domestic supply of microbolometers used in thermal cameras for drones, robotic systems and vehicles. Its planned cross-border production model and output targets address supply reliability and price competitiveness. Odd Systems already makes thermal and daylight cameras for drones and other robotic systems. The company says its Kurbas thermal camera is Ukraine’s most-produced domestically made thermal camera on the battlefield and is supplied to more than 70 drone manufacturers.