ATRI UAB: illuminating Ukraine’s defense with advanced night vision technology TINDS DVE

In Lithuania’s ongoing huge support for Ukraine, ATRI UAB has distinguished itself as a vital contributor to state-of-the-art defense solutions for Ukraine, particularly through its advanced thermal imaging technologies.

“At the heart of its success is the Thermal Imaging Night Driving System (TINDS DVE), a robust and reliable system that has dramatically improved the operational effectiveness of armored vehicles in Ukraine,” Medardas Puidokas, director of ATRI, told The Baltic Times Magazine.

From innovation to the battlefield

The seeds of ATRI’s collaboration with Ukraine were sown in 2019, when the company began supplying its TINDS DVE systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“After a series of stringent tests and operational assessments, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the then-defense minister officially approved our system—not one by other companies—for military use in April 2020,” Puidokas says proudly.

Criteria such as technical capability, quality, delivery terms, local service support and price-to-quality ratio were key factors in the selection process.

“In the beginning, we supplied 139 systems to the warfare,” he adds.

The TINDS DVE system is a testament to ATRI’s vision of creating simple yet powerful tools for modern warfare. Developed in response to growing regional tensions following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas, ATRI’s engineers designed the system to be rugged, efficient, and quickly deployable. Introduced in 2017, the TINDS DVE delivers superior image clarity, extended detection range, and outstanding durability—essential features for the modern battlefield.

Notably, ATRI’s success is driven by a small yet elite team.

“Depending on the stage of a project, up to 20 people are involved. All of them are highly skilled and vetted to work with very sensitive technologies,” Puidokas highlights.

Tested in combat, proven in performance

The TINDS DVE is built to function under extreme conditions, enhancing driver safety and vehicle mobility in the most challenging operational scenarios. Its integration into over 400 Ukrainian armored vehicles since 2017 has significantly improved their capacity to maneuver safely in darkness, smoke, fog, and other low-visibility conditions.

“All other similar solutions are up to five times more expensive  and with 3 times longer lead time,” M. Puidokas emphasizes.

Yet he admits that recognition did not come instantly: “It took time to prove ourselves as a trusted partner,” he says.

A powerful illustration of the system’s durability came when a TINDS DVE unit was recovered from a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier destroyed in combat. Despite extensive exposure to heat and physical damage, the system was restored to full functionality simply by replacing its melted cables. That particular unit is now displayed in Vilnius, symbolizing both ATRI’s engineering excellence and the strong partnership between Lithuania and Ukraine.

Beyond hardware: building lasting partnerships

ATRI’s support for Ukraine goes beyond the delivery of cutting-edge equipment. By working with local partners, including the Scientific and Production corporation “Nebo Ukrainy”, ATRI has facilitated smooth system integration, user training, and ongoing maintenance.

These collaborative efforts are emblematic of the deepening ties between Lithuania and Ukraine in the field of defense technology.

In 2024, this partnership reached a new level with the signing of a quadripartite agreement focused on joint arms and ammunition production. This strategic alliance seeks to enhance self-reliance and defense resilience in the face of persistent external threats.

Lithuania has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, providing extensive military, humanitarian, and reconstruction aid. As of early 2025, Lithuania's total assistance to Ukraine has surpassed 1 billion euros, representing approximately 1.4 percent of its GDP—one of the highest contributions relative to national income among all donor countries.

Expanding horizons: a global impact

ATRI’s influence is not limited to Ukraine. Its TINDS DVE systems have been successfully exported to countries such as Poland, Brazil, India, conducted supply contract with Chech, German companies.These international clients value the system’s high performance, modular adaptability, and ease of integration with a variety of military platforms.

This growing global demand underscores the company’s reputation for delivering reliable, combat-tested thermal imaging solutions that enhance battlefield awareness and safety.

Moreover, ATRI’s achievements highlight the broader contributions of Lithuania within NATO. As a strategically located member on NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania plays a critical role in the Alliance’s collective defense posture.

“NATO has used our technological expertise in developing its TINDS DVE systems,” says Puidokas proudly.

ATRI’s technologies demonstrate how smaller nations can deliver high-value capabilities that bolster NATO’s operational readiness.

The road ahead: innovation fueled by purpose

ATRI UAB’s innovation journey continues beyond the TINDS DVE system. The company has built strong relationships with defense ministries and armed forces around the world, participating in joint research and development initiatives aimed at confronting emerging threats.

Looking forward, ATRI UAB remains committed to delivering cutting-edge optical and electronic solutions that enhance the safety and mission success of military personnel worldwide. With ongoing investments in R&D and a portfolio of strategic partnerships, the company is poised to further expand its impact—not only through technical excellence but also through principled and practical defense collaboration.

In a complex and rapidly changing global security landscape, ATRI UAB stands as a shining example of how engineering excellence, strategic foresight, and international solidarity can converge to produce real-world solutions.

At the end of our conversation, Puidokas hints: “The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has recently ordered a significant batch of Thermal Imaging Night Driving Systems. It remains to be seen if the necessary funding will be allotted,” Puidokas notes, adding: “The security of Ukraine is the guarantor of our own security.”