“A Key Advantage”: How Athlon Avia Integrates Veterans’ Experience into Production

February 12 marked the first anniversary of the creation of the “Principles of Veteran-Friendly Business.” To date, these Principles have brought together more than 100 Ukrainian companies that have made a leadership commitment to systematically support service members and their loved ones. For Athlon Avia, this event marked the implementation of the 12th principle—public reporting and open dialogue about the experience we’ve gained over the past year. We were one of the first defense companies to sign the Principles in the summer of 2025.

Athlon Avia participated in the panel discussion: “From Startup to Large Company: How Does Scale Affect Working with Veterans?”

Serhiy Mokrenyuk, Director of Development at Athlon Avia and a veteran, shared practical case studies from the company’s work:

  • The nature of the defense industry demands precision. The experience of people who have used this equipment in combat helps us improve it. That’s why adaptation isn’t a challenge—it’s an investment in the product’s sustainable development. One fact that confirms this is that one-third of the veterans on Atlon Avia’s staff hold leadership positions;

  • We implement veteran programs as part of our corporate culture across the entire company. This ensures equal access to support for every employee, regardless of their position within the company;

  • Veteran initiatives are effective when they are clear and straightforward. Employees view them positively when they see equal treatment and concrete actions. Our mission is to create an environment where colleagues’ combat experience is recognized and respected.