Hartford Company Donates Drones To Ukraine

HARTFORD, CT — A local company is donating commercial drones and drone pilot training to help Ukraine, following the invasion by Russian forces last month.

Aquiline Drones, a drone manufacturer and cloud technology company based in Hartford, is teaming up with the local Jewish community to bring some relief to the anguish with commercial drones and pilot training for search and rescue activities, delivery of essential supplies to the vulnerable, and enhance communication among refugees and human rights volunteers, according to a statement from the company.

Ukraine is home to one of the world’s largest Jewish communities with a total population of 400,000 citizens, according to the World Jewish Congress. The United States has approximately 3.5 million Jewish residents, more than 118,000 of them living in Connecticut.

“Ukraine is the birthplace of some of Judaism’s most distinctive ideologies and traditions that have been adopted across the globe, directly impacting residents in our own backyard,” Barry Alexander, founder and chairman of Aquiline Drones, said in a statement. “Throughout history, the Jewish community has had its share of trial and tribulation, and, with the latest conflict in Europe, we now have the technology to help save lives and mitigate the suffering for both this cherished community and its neighbors in Ukraine.”

Alexander conceived the idea after presenting an educational drone technology session at the New England Hebrew Academy, an Orthodox Jewish Day School for students in early childhood through grade 12. The school is located in West Hartford, the largest Jewish community in the state.

“As our team was discussing and demonstrating the benefits of how drone technology is used in everyday life, the conversation started moving to the current crisis in Europe,” explains Alexander. “Drones have long been in demand by various departments responsible for civilians’ safety, so why not put their potential power directly into the hands of the Ukraine citizens?”

As an initial plan, AD will donate 40 Spartacus Hurricane drones to Ukraine through the U.S. Government.

Those interested may send an email to: humanitarian@aquilinedrones.com.