Brave1 and France’s Defence Innovation Agency launch BRAVE FRANCE
Ukraine’s Brave1 and France’s Defence Innovation Agency (Agence de l’innovation de défense, AID) have signed an agreement to launch the BRAVE FRANCE grant programme with a budget of €20 million. Under the partnership, developers from both countries will create advanced unmanned, missile, and air defence systems. The maximum grant amount will be €1 million, with the first competitions for companies set to launch in September 2026.
The partnership agreement was signed by Patrick Aufort, Director of France’s Defence Innovation Agency, and Iryna Zabolotna, Chief Operating Officer of Brave1, in the presence of France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin.
The programme will be backed by a joint €20 million budget, with Ukraine and France each contributing €10 million.
Priority technology areas of the grant programme
Under BRAVE FRANCE, Ukrainian and French companies will jointly develop solutions to address critical frontline and defence market needs. The programme will focus on the development of advanced defence solutions, including:
- missile technologies;
- unmanned systems;
- advanced counter-air threat capabilities.
The parties are currently finalising the list of priority topics and technical specifications, while also establishing a joint Executive Selection Board and expert committees. Importantly, technologies developed under the programme will be tested through the Test in Ukraine platform, allowing them to be assessed in real-world combat conditions.
Strategic significance for both countries
BRAVE FRANCE introduces a new format for strategic cooperation, delivering benefits to both countries:
- Ukraine gains direct access to advanced technologies with the potential to shape the battlefield;
- France gains a unique opportunity to adapt its defence innovations to the conditions of contemporary warfare while preserving its technological leadership.
In February 2026, the parties formalised their intention to establish a joint grant programme. Today’s agreement, signed at Eurosatory 2026, moves the partnership into its operational phase.