Ukrainian Companies Launch Production of Thermal Imaging Sensors in USA and EU

Ukrainian companies The Fourth Law and Odd Systems have launched a joint initiative, Project Foundation, for the mass production of thermal imaging sensors in Europe and the U.S.

“The launch of the project is intended to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers, particularly China, and ensure the sovereignty of Western countries in the field of thermal imaging technology,” The Fourth Law told Militarnyi.

The program’s main goal is to quadruple the production of such sensors in Europe and double it in the United States over the next three years.

The start of mass production at the new facilities is scheduled for 2027.

The project focuses on the development and manufacture of long-wave infrared sensors, also known as microbolometers.

These components are a key element of thermal imaging cameras, enabling the detection of heat-emitting objects in the dark or through smoke.

The project’s headquarters are located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, which is one of Europe’s leading technology hubs in the semiconductor sector.

The production structure will consist of two main sites: First Foundation in Europe and Second Foundation in the U.S.

The program will be funded through the founders’ own capital, investor contributions, government grants, and advance orders from customers.

The project has already established partnerships with leading global research laboratories and major buyers of thermal imaging optics.

As a reminder, plans to build the plant were first announced back in February this year. At that time, it was reported that the facility would be capable of producing one million units per year.

“Europe currently produces fewer than 500,000 of these sensors per year; Ukraine consumes that amount in about five months. Obviously, we’re not using European sensors: not only are they about five times more expensive than Chinese ones, but they’re also often of lower quality. But the biggest problem is that they’re almost impossible to buy, because Europeans need them too,” explained Odd Systems co-founder Yaroslav Azhniuk.