Germany and Ukraine signed a letter of intent on launching the Brave Germany program in Kyiv. Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Germany’s Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, agreed on the document on 11 May, according to Ukraine's Defense Ministry.
The initiative provides grant support for Ukrainian and German startups working in the defense technology sector and developing new approaches to modern warfare.
Defense tech funding and “war of future”
Brave Germany is being implemented alongside the Brave1 cluster and aims to advance technologies that define the character of modern warfare.
This includes unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, laser technologies, next-generation communications solutions, and missile development. Officials in Kyiv emphasize that this is not a set of isolated projects, but the formation of a unified defense innovation ecosystem.
Germany as Ukraine’s key defense partner
Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Germany and personally Boris Pistorius for their leadership and consistent support. Germany is currently the world’s largest provider of security assistance to Ukraine, accounting for roughly one-third of total aid.
During the meeting, Ukraine particularly highlighted Germany’s contribution to strengthening its air defense systems.
This includes the procurement of hundreds of Patriot missile interceptors, financing interceptor drones, support for the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism, and a critical initiative that enabled Ukraine to receive Patriot missiles during a difficult winter period.
Additional support includes:
- over $1 billion for deep strike and middle strike capabilities
- support for drone assault units (Germany was the first country to back this innovative direction)
- assistance in supplying long-range artillery ammunition through the Czech initiative
New warfare architecture: AI, air defense, industrial integration
Ukraine and Germany are also discussing joint development of ballistic defense solutions and deeper integration of their defense industries.
Kyiv reports high air defense effectiveness — up to 90% interception of drones and around 80% of cruise missiles. However, ballistic threats remain the most challenging.
Initial steps in this cooperation are already underway, with Ukrainian and German industries working together on future anti-ballistic systems. Data exchange between defense sectors will be streamlined to support this effort.
At the same time, Ukraine is developing a new model of warfare based on artificial intelligence, reforms in the contract-based military system, and cognitive warfare tools. Kyiv believes 2026 could become a turning point.
To implement these plans, additional financial resources are required. During the meeting with Boris Pistorius, Ukraine’s defense leadership discussed ways to involve more countries in high-quality long-term support.
