Ukraine launches Brave International platform to boost defence tech cooperation with partners

What happened

Ukrainska Pravda English reports that Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers and Ministry of Defence have officially approved the Brave International platform, a unified system designed to facilitate cooperation with international partners in defence innovation. This system establishes common rules for engagement with multiple existing and forthcoming defence initiatives, such as UNITE Brave NATO and collaborations with Norway, France, Germany, and Lithuania.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that Brave International will enable the launch of joint grant competitions rapidly, with an initial budget exceeding €100 million for international programmes and support mechanisms. Importantly, participation will be open not only to Ukrainian companies but also to international developers and startups, reflecting the platform’s inclusive approach to fostering technological advancement.

Brave International aims to meet several strategic objectives: identifying new technologies that align with Ukraine’s defence needs, securing additional funding for Ukrainian defence startups, and deepening cooperation across international innovation ecosystems. The platform’s operating model includes joint grant funds based on equal financial contributions between Ukraine and partner countries, shared programme governance, open competition for applicants from Ukraine and abroad, and compulsory testing within Ukraine through the Test in Ukraine platform.

Known from the source

• Ukraine’s government has approved the Brave International platform through a Cabinet resolution.
• The platform sets common rules for cooperation in defence innovation with international partners including Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, and initiatives like UNITE Brave NATO.
• Brave International’s initial budget for programmes and support exceeds €100 million.
• The platform allows participation by Ukrainian and international companies and startups.
• The operating model includes 50/50 co-financing between Ukraine and partner countries, joint programme management, and mandatory testing in Ukraine via the Test in Ukraine platform.

What remains unclear

This initiative comes amid broader European support efforts, as previously reported agreements involve the European Commission and partner governments such as France and Finland to provide €343 million in EU guarantees and blended grants to Ukraine’s defence sector. Brave International represents a critical mechanism to translate such support into tangible innovation and capability development.

What remains unclear: Verify publication of initial joint grant competitions under Brave International and confirmed participant lists. Confirm timelines and details on the scope of international cooperation beyond the named partners. Check for any updates or clarifications on the interaction between Brave International and the €343 million EU support package. Cross-check quotes attributed to the Ministry of Defence with original statements for exact phrasing.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.