Yakovenko Oleksandr Volodymyrovych

Founder of one of the largest Ukrainian FPV drone manufacturers (loitering drones "Kolibri")

Founder of TAF Drones (TAF Industries) — one of the largest domestic manufacturers of FPV drones, reconnaissance drones, and electronic warfare systems; the company produces tens of thousands of loitering munitions "Kolibri" monthly and is among the market leaders. Yakovenko was awarded the Order "For Merit" for supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine and publicly advocates for allowing the export of Ukrainian drone products.

Searches in 2025 and possible raider takeover

On March 12, 2025 (according to Forbes Ukraine), searches were conducted in Yakovenko's companies, causing drone production to be temporarily halted. According to him, the investigative actions are related to a tax case involving a Ukrainian grain trader with whom he has no connections. There is no official suspicion or verdict against him in open sources.

Context of the "two industries"

This episode fits into a broader discussion about pressure on independent UAV manufacturers: RBC-Ukraine and Western analysts (including US Colonel Wes Martin) describe account blocking and systematic pressure on companies without "political protection." Within this framework, the searches at TAF are interpreted more as an attempt at pressure/raiding rather than proven wrongdoing.