Ukraine and NATO are launching their first joint program to accelerate defense innovation, named UNITE – Brave NATO, First Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced.
The first pilot competition will start in 2026 with a total budget of €10 million, according to Fedorov. Ukraine's Brave1 initiative will coordinate the program on the Ukrainian side, while NATO's Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) will implement the first competition. Funding will come from the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP) and resources from the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
The project will focus on developing innovative products for three key areas: countering drones, strengthening air defense, and ensuring communication and navigation systems on the front line.
"This will give the Alliance invaluable experience in real time, and Ukraine – faster development of defense technologies," Fedorov stated.
Applications are expected to open in February 2026, with winners to be announced in spring 2026. Competition details will be released at the beginning of the year. Plans call for increasing joint program funding to €50 million.
Previously, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius stated that Ukraine will become a full element of the EU's new defense architecture. According to him, this means not just presence in mechanisms, but real participation in forming new joint production facilities and technologies that will form the basis of Europe's future security.
