Читати Українською

In modern warfare, victory depends not only on the power of weapons but also on the quality of training for those who wield them. The Ukrainian company SKIFTECH is a pioneer of domestic Defense Tech whose developments have become critical for training the Defense Forces. Starting in 2014 as a small engineering team, SKIFTECH has evolved into a powerful R&D center whose tactical simulators increase soldiers' chances of survival in combat by an impressive 47%.

In this interview, we discuss the company's transformation during the full-scale invasion, its unique experience collaborating with U.S. government agencies, and the "life-saving" philosophy at the heart of every innovation—from stress belts to FPV drone defense trainers.

SKIFTECH has traveled a decade-long path—from 2014 to today. What has been the greatest internal transformation?
Hanna Stepanchuk: The most significant transformation occurred after the start of the full-scale invasion. The company had to adapt quickly to new conditions: we relocated the team and equipment several times and restructured our operations to ensure that development and production never stopped.

The war significantly accelerated all processes — from decision-making to implementing product changes based on direct feedback from the military. Over these years, the company also evolved internally: from a small engineering team with ideas on paper to systematic R&D, complex software calculations, and production processes organized according to modern international standards.
Many perceive the journey in Defense Tech as a straight line. Tell us about a decision that became a turning point.
H.S.: The first turning point happened in 2014, when our team—together with engineers from the National Guard of Ukraine and the Institute of Tank Troops of NTU "KhPI" — developed the first prototype of training equipment and conducted the first drills with the military. That was when it became clear that these technologies could become part of a real training system for service members.

The next step was the creation of our own R&D center and the scaling of production in 2018. That same year, the company fulfilled a contract under a U.S. Department of Energy program to equip National Guard of Ukraine units protecting nuclear power plants. This was a vital confirmation that our solutions could perform on an international level.

Another critical turning point was the start of the full-scale invasion. At that moment, we focused entirely on shipping orders as quickly as possible. We did this because we know that high-quality training and preparation save the lives of our soldiers.
What is the most important indicator that your development has truly "worked"?
H.S.: For us, the key indicator is when training actually increases a soldier's readiness for combat conditions. Many recruits join the military without prior experience in handling weapons, and it is the training that helps them build basic skills: unit coordination, accuracy, reaction time, and tactical understanding.

Our systems, particularly the individual soldier kits, allow instructors to replicate real-world training scenarios without any risk to life. The ideal result for us is when a soldier gains experience during training that helps them act correctly and survive on the battlefield. We received feedback from one unit stating that training soldiers with our equipment increased combat survivability by 47%.

How do you integrate real combat experience into your developments?
H.S.: We work constantly with military personnel and instructors, receiving direct feedback from training centers and active units. This feedback directly drives the refinement of our simulators, training scenarios, and system functionality. Our mission is to make training as close to real-world conditions as possible.

For example, our systems utilize a "stress-belt"—a device that delivers a short electrical impulse when a "hit" is recorded. This creates a sense of accountability and helps the soldier psychologically internalize the mistake. We also develop training solutions that replicate modern threats, specifically FPV drone attacks or the use of dropped munitions.
How has the "language barrier" between Ukrainian manufacturers and Western partners changed?
H.S.: Today, Ukrainian companies speak to their partners in the language of practical experience. Ukraine has gained a unique understanding of modern warfare—specifically regarding the use of drones, robotic systems, and new tactics that evolve very rapidly. We actively share this expertise at international exhibitions and professional forums.

Western partners are listening much more closely to Ukrainian manufacturers and military personnel today because our solutions are forged in real combat. This opens up new opportunities for high-level cooperation and joint R&D projects.

How do you build communication in the defense sector, where so many things must remain confidential?
H.S.: Communication in defense tech is always a balance between openness and security. We work extensively with military units, training centers, and instructors, conducting demonstrations, training sessions, and equipment testing.
Publicly, we only share the parts of our work that pose no security risks. However, we are much more transparent with our partners and clients because trust in this field is built through practical experience and tangible results.
What does it mean to you to work in an industry where success is measured in lives saved?
H.S.: You feel it most profoundly when you witness a recruit's journey. Someone joins the military with no experience, and after some time, they become a confident soldier who understands their weapon, tactics, and teamwork.
In those moments, you realize that every training session truly matters. It provides the motivation to work harder and develop solutions that genuinely help soldiers survive.
What is your personal “survival algorithm” for working under wartime conditions?
H.S.: My approach is quite pragmatic: I am accustomed to managing multiple processes simultaneously, structuring tasks, and making quick decisions. I break many things down into systems, plans, and spreadsheets — this helps me maintain control over the situation.
At the same time, my greatest support is my family. Many of my relatives and friends are in the military, so I deeply understand the importance of our work and why human life remains our ultimate value.

What role can the DefenseTech cluster Techosystem play?
H.S.: Clusters are vital because they unite companies with diverse experiences and different approaches. For more established companies, it is an opportunity to share long-term operational practices, strategies for adapting to change, and insights on product scaling.

At the same time, startups have qualities worth learning from—speed of thought, a fresh vision, and the courage to experiment. This exchange of experience helps the entire ecosystem develop faster. Furthermore, clusters act as the voice of the industry and assist in communication with the state. Many solutions have already been implemented thanks to the work of various clusters, which is why we decided to join the community.
How do you see the role of SKIFTECH in the global security system 5–10 years from now?
H.S.: We want our training solutions to help military personnel in various countries gain the necessary skills before they ever set foot in combat conditions. While our experience is being forged in Ukraine, this knowledge can be invaluable to other armies as well.

We are changing and evolving in tandem with how the front lines are developing today. We are creating solutions relevant for training in the conditions of modern warfare. Therefore, in 5–10 years, we will continue to be a company that helps elevate the level of military preparation and save lives through advanced training technologies. This must become one of the global standards of quality.