Ukraine, in collaboration with NATO, has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at accelerating the development of defense technologies, known as UNITE – Brave NATO. This was disclosed by First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
According to him, the initial pilot competition will commence in 2026 with a total budget of 10 million euros. The program will be coordinated by Brave1 from Ukraine, while NATO's first competition will be implemented by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). Funding will be provided through the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP) and resources from the Ministry of Digital Transformation.

The project will focus on developing innovative solutions for the following challenges:

• countering drones;
• enhancing air defense;
• establishing communication and navigation systems at the front.

"This initiative will provide the Alliance with invaluable real-time experience and allow Ukraine to advance its defense technologies more rapidly," the statement noted.
The expected start date for applications is February 2026, with winners announced in the spring of 2026. Further details about the competition will be released at the beginning of the year. There are also plans to increase the joint funding of the program to 50 million euros.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine will become an integral part of the new EU defense architecture, as stated by the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius. This signifies not just presence in our mechanisms but real involvement in the formation of new joint productions and technologies that will serve as the foundation for Europe's future security.