The Joint Stock Company “Ukrainian Defence Industry” and the Killhouse Academy of the Third Army Corpsjointly held a youth conference titled “Defence.Next,” dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground robotic systems (GRS).

The event, held on August 12 to mark International Youth Day, introduced participants to unmanned platforms produced by both state-owned and private defence enterprises. Attendees also took part in thematic lectures and hands-on workshops. During the practical sessions, participants could try themselves as engineers, FPV drone pilots, or ground robotics operators, under the guidance of experienced instructors from Killhouse Academy.

The conference was attended by Oleksandr Kamyshin, Strategic Advisor to the President of Ukraine; Herman Smetanin, Acting CEO of Ukroboronprom; Ksenia Semenova, Acting Rector of the National Aviation University; and representatives of private defence companies.

“The average age of employees at our enterprises has dropped significantly, as many talented young people have joined the defence sector. They are the ones driving the creation of increasingly advanced, high-tech weapons and military equipment for the battlefield. Today, the defence industry is becoming extremely attractive for young professionals, because there are no ‘routine’ tasks here — every detail, every drone or missile is a real contribution to the country’s defence capability,” said Herman Smetanin, Acting CEO of Ukroboronprom.

The event brought together leaders of defence enterprises, young defence industry workers, technical university students, educators, and veterans of the Russo-Ukrainian war, who shared their combat experience.

“Such conferences are beneficial both for young people and for the defence sector. We explain how unmanned systems are used in real combat and provide essential training, while defence manufacturers have an opportunity to showcase their latest developments, share insights about the current state of the industry, and inspire talented young specialists to strengthen Ukraine’s defence through their work,” said Turbo, Head of Killhouse Academy.