EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Ukrainian defence technology companies The Fourth Law and Odd Systems have launched a joint initiative, Project Foundation, to mass-produce thermal imaging sensors in Europe and the United States. The project aims to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers, particularly China, and strengthen Western production capacity for thermal imaging technology.
“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 Ukrainian military news outlet Militarnyi.
The programme aims to quadruple thermal sensor production in Europe and double it in the United States over the next three years. Manufacturing facilities are being prepared, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2027.
Project Focuses on Thermal Imaging Sensors
Project Foundation will focus on long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensors, also known as microbolometers. These components enable thermal imaging cameras to detect heat-emitting objects in darkness, fog and smoke. They are used in drones, military equipment, robotic systems, vehicles and civilian applications.
Yaroslav Azhnyuk, co-founder of both companies, said Europe produces fewer than 500,000 thermal sensors annually, while Ukraine consumes an equivalent volume in approximately five months. He also said European sensors can cost around five times more than Chinese alternatives, may offer lower quality in some cases and are difficult to obtain because of high demand.
Plans for a dedicated facility capable of producing one million sensors annually were first outlined in February 2026.
Production Sites and Funding
Project Foundation is headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, a European technology hub with semiconductor engineering expertise. Its manufacturing operations will be organised through two regional sites: First Foundation, serving Europe, and Second Foundation, serving the United States.
The project will combine its own sensor designs and technology platform with dedicated manufacturing facilities and partner foundries. Funding will come from the founders' capital, private investors, debt financing, government grants and advance customer orders. The companies have not disclosed the total funding required or the amounts secured.
The initiative has also established partnerships with semiconductor and microbolometer research laboratories and major buyers of thermal imaging equipment.
Companies Combine Camera and AI Expertise
Odd Systems develops daytime and thermal cameras for drones and other robotic platforms. Its Kurbas thermal camera is used by Ukrainian forces and supplied to more than 70 drone manufacturers, according to the project information provided by the companies.
The Fourth Law specialises in artificial intelligence and autonomy systems for unmanned platforms. Its technology is designed to help robotic systems navigate and continue missions when electronic warfare or disrupted communications limit their connection with operators.
Igor Nakonechnyi, who holds a doctorate in semiconductor chemistry, has been appointed CEO of Project Foundation. He said the companies' experience in thermal camera development had shown the importance of high-performance sensors, reliable supplies and competitive prices.
Azhnyuk and his team founded The Fourth Law and Odd Systems in Kyiv in 2023. Their earlier camera-development experience includes work on more than one million consumer smart cameras, according to the supplied company background.
The project aims to supply thermal sensors to defence, robotics and automotive manufacturers in Western markets. Its planned expansion will depend on establishing manufacturing capacity and maintaining competitive prices as the facilities move towards the 2027 mass-production target.
The names Project Foundation, First Foundation and Second Foundation are inspired by Isaac Asimov's Foundation series of novels, according to the supplied project information.
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