Over €100 million for defense technologies: Government gives the green light to international grants from Brave1 and partner countries

Ukraine is launching Brave International, the official unified framework for cooperation with international partners to advance defense innovation. The relevant resolution was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

This decision establishes a unified framework and clear rules for existing and future international initiatives, including UNITE Brave NATO, Brave Norway, Brave France, Brave Germany, and Brave Lithuania.

The Government’s decision gives the green light to the rapid launch of joint grant competitions under these programs. Importantly, participation will be open not only to Ukrainian companies, but also to developers and startups from foreign jurisdictions.

Brave International: Funding and next steps

The total budget for the first international programs and support instruments under Brave International already exceeds €100 million.

The Brave1 defense technology cluster will launch the first joint international competitions in the near future.

Strategic objectives of Brave International

Brave1’s international efforts focus on three strategic objectives:

• identifying new technologies and products to meet the current needs of Ukraine’s front line;
• attracting additional funding to support Ukrainian defense startups;
• deepening cooperation with partner innovation ecosystems and further integrating Ukraine’s defense tech sector into the global defense technology market.

The comprehensive implementation of these objectives will not only ensure the Defense Forces’ tactical and technological advantage on the battlefield but also lay the foundation for Ukraine’s long-term leadership in the global security environment.

Core instruments of the Brave International program

Brave International’s operating model is based on four core elements:

• 50/50 funding — establishing joint grant funds supported through equal contributions from Ukraine and the partner country;
• Joint governance — establishing joint governing boards and expert committees for the transparent review and expert evaluation of applications;
• Accessibility — competitions are open to both Ukrainian applicants and foreign companies;
• Battlefield validation — mandatory testing and validation of all solutions in Ukraine through the existing Test in Ukraine platform.