NATO and Ukraine Launch 'UNITE – Brave NATO' Initiative, Pledging EUR 10 Million for First Tech Competition

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NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague on 24 June 2025. Photo: NATO

NATO and Ukraine Launch ‘UNITE – Brave NATO’ Initiative, Pledging EUR 10 Million for First Tech Competition

The initial competition will target new innovative products specifically designed to counter unmanned aerial systems, strengthen air defense, and secure frontline communications.

RMN News Technology Desk
New Delhi | November 28, 2025

KYIV, 26 November 2025 — NATO and Ukraine have officially announced the launch of a significant new joint-initiative aimed at accelerating defense innovation: the UNITE – Brave NATO programme. The announcement of the Ukraine-NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering programme was made on 25 November 2025.

This initiative marks the first joint NATO-Ukraine programme focused on scaling prototyped and tested innovative technologies specifically designed to meet interoperability requirements.

Cooperation and Execution

The new partnership is built on close cooperation between the Alliance and Kyiv. Coordination from Ukraine’s side will be handled by the nation’s defense tech cluster, Brave1. NATO has selected the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to execute the first phase of the competition.

Speaking during a meeting in Kyiv, Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska emphasized that UNITE – Brave NATO will be beneficial for both sides. The programme is structured to allow innovators from NATO and Ukraine to collaborate on tackling urgent battlefield challenges, while simultaneously providing the Alliance with the opportunity to learn invaluable lessons in real-time.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov welcomed the development, stating that NATO is fostering a “brand new partnership with Ukraine in the field of innovations”. Fedorov anticipates that this cooperation will “accelerate the development of cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthen interoperability,” ultimately helping to build a more resilient, adaptive, and technologically advanced defense architecture for the entire Euro-Atlantic community.

Initial Focus and Funding

The initial competition will target new innovative products specifically designed to counter unmanned aerial systems, strengthen air defense, and secure frontline communications.

Teams composed of Allied and Ukrainian companies will be eligible to receive joint grants worth a total value of EUR 10 million. This funding will be allocated equally by NATO and Ukraine. Companies can register their interest online in the near future, with joint bids scheduled for submission in February 2026. Winners of this first competition are expected to be announced in spring 2026 at the second NATO-Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum.

NATO’s financial contribution will be funded through its Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP), with Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation matching that amount.

Scaling Future Efforts

Following a successful pilot competition, NATO and Ukraine are prepared to significantly scale funding further, up to EUR 50 million for the UNITE – Brave NATO programme for the year 2026.

Future UNITE – Brave NATO activities will concentrate on key areas of defense technology: