Ukraine and NATO launch joint funding for defence developments. The pilot contest has a budget of €10 million and starts in early 2026

Ukraine and NATO are launching their first joint initiative to provide financial support for defence innovation — UNITE: Brave NATO. The announcement was made by First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska.

The pilot competition has a budget of €10 million, with plans to expand the programme’s funding to €50 million. Its key goal is to address the frontline’s technological gaps and ensure product interoperability.

The first competition will focus on counter-UAS capabilities, strengthening air defence, and improving frontline communications systems. Teams from Ukraine and NATO member states will be able to submit joint applications. Programme details will be announced in early 2026, with applications expected to open in February 2026. The winners of the first competition will be announced in spring 2026.

UNITE: Brave NATO will cover the following areas:

• counter-UAS systems
• SIGINT systems
• navigation in EW environments
• unmanned ground systems

On the Ukrainian side, the programme will be implemented by the Brave1 defence tech cluster. Funding will be provided through the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) and the Ministry of Digital Transformation.