IT Coalition marks three years: €1.85 billion in support for the Defence Forces of Ukraine
The IT Coalition is marking its third anniversary. Over this period, Ukraine and 17 partner countries have coordinated efforts to strengthen communications, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and the digital systems used by the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
Over three years, partners have allocated €1.85 billion to support Ukraine through the IT Coalition.
The IT Coalition enables us to strengthen battlefield communications across the military. In modern warfare, this truly helps protect what matters most – the lives of our people. We are using every available method for this, and we will continue to do so.
Mstyslav Banik also thanked the countries that have joined the IT Coalition, as well as all those who made decisions within this cooperation framework.
About the IT Coalition
The IT Coalition brings together countries that help Ukraine develop IT, communications, and cybersecurity capabilities for the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
It was established on September 19, 2023, during a Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. At the time, Ukraine, Estonia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania signed the Declaration of Intent and launched the Coalition.
Today, Ukraine cooperates with 17 partner countries within the IT Coalition. Estonia and Luxembourg are the Coalition’s lead nations.
Key focus areas of the IT Coalition:
- secure and resilient communications;
- cybersecurity and data protection;
- development of IT infrastructure;
- support for digital systems and products;
- testing and deployment of new technologies.
The Coalition enables partners to coordinate their efforts and jointly support projects that are priorities for Ukraine.
€1.85 billion to strengthen the military through technology
The largest share of the support – €728 million, or nearly 40% – has been allocated to the procurement of broadband radios. They help units maintain resilient communications and manage drone operations.
Partners have allocated another €445 million to satellite communications. This helps ensure stable satellite communications and avoid dependence on a single provider. Partners also equip tactical-level command posts, support cybersecurity units within the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and help develop data centers, cloud infrastructure, and tactical networks.
Support for digital systems
Another area of the Coalition’s work is digital products and systems for defense needs.
Partners help finance development, procure the necessary licenses and equipment, and deploy workstations for information and communication systems.
Systems and products supported through the IT Coalition include Army+, Reserve+, DELTA, “Impulse,” SAP, and others.
Cybersecurity training
The IT Coalition invests not only in technologies but also in the specialists who work with them.
Partners have funded training for more than 1,200 participants in line with international cybersecurity standards. They have also funded nearly 200 vouchers for SANS Institute courses.
New technologies and Ukraine’s experience
Partners support innovative projects, including Drone ID, while also testing their own technological solutions in Ukraine, including communications solutions.
This makes it possible to test technologies under real-world conditions, share experience, and better understand the needs of the modern battlefield. Partners can refine their own solutions based on Ukraine’s experience.
How the IT Coalition functions
The IT Coalition operates under a Cooperation Arrangement that runs through 2030.
Partners may assist Ukraine directly or contribute to a common fund. Procurement financed through the fund is carried out on behalf of participating countries by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
This format allows several countries to pool resources for joint projects while enabling Ukraine to clearly define its military's priority needs.
Priorities of the IT Coalition for 2026–2027
Over the next two years, the IT Coalition will focus on the following areas:
- development of secure radio and satellite communications, including communications used to support drone operations;
- development of IT infrastructure, particularly cloud infrastructure, to enhance the resilience of digital services and ensure redundancy.
In addition, the Coalition plans to strengthen cybersecurity, including data and endpoint protection.
