Slovak police have foiled an alleged plot to set fire to a factory producing drones for Ukrainian defence company Skyeton, preventing an attack that could have endangered around 70 employees and caused tens of millions of euros in damage.
The targeted facility in eastern Slovakia produces unmanned systems. Police intervened before the planned attack could be carried out, and no one was injured.
Investigators have charged three foreign nationals in connection with the plot. Two were arrested in Slovakia, while a third suspect was detained in Germany under a European arrest warrant.
The operation began after Slovakia’s intelligence and military intelligence services provided information about the planned attack. During the subsequent investigation, police identified the people allegedly involved and moved to prevent the arson.
Searches uncovered a large quantity of an incendiary mixture made from petrol and polystyrene, as well as tools, mobile phones, an action camera and a hand-drawn plan of the factory.
According to Slovak police, the suspects had allegedly been preparing the attack “on commission.” Authorities have not publicly identified who ordered it, and the investigation is continuing.
Skyeton confirmed that its Slovak production facility had been targeted. The Ukrainian company said the incident was part of continuing attempts to disrupt its operations.
“Russians regularly try to attack our production facilities in Ukraine and our reputation. The recent attempt against our production in Slovakia is further evidence that Ukrainian weapons manufacturers have become a serious problem for them,” a company representative said.
Skyeton develops and manufactures unmanned aerial systems, including the Raybird-3 reconnaissance drone used by Ukraine’s Defence Forces. The company has expanded production into EU countries as part of efforts to increase output and reduce the vulnerability of manufacturing concentrated inside Ukraine.
