U.S. Considering Manufacture of M4 Rifles, UAVs in Ukrainian Firm Meridian's Facility

Meridian OJSC. S.P. Korolyova, a subsidiary of Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom could start assembling M4 rifles in its facility, besides manufacturing U.S.-made drones.

In a statement July 13, the company said that Representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine discussed possibilities of implementing joint manufacture of military equipment with Meridian officials.

Meridian showcased its Spectator M1 UAV and the “Berehynia” helicopter-type reconnaissance drone. The latter weighs only 2kg and is equipped with a gyro-stabilized replacement module of the target equipment (camera / thermal imager / camera). The duration of the helicopter flight is up to 45 minutes, and the transmission of information online takes place at a distance of up to 12 km. The maximum speed of the drone is 65 kmph.

The parties also discussed the assembly of M4 rifles at Meridian production facilities under U.S. license, and the implementation of joint projects for the development and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles of various classes and types.