Brave1, the Ukrainian government’s defence tech accelerator, is working with NATO Innovation HQ and the NATO Communications and Information Agency to launch its first competition under the UNITE — Brave NATO program. The effort will focus on technology to counter unmanned aerial systems and navigation in environments where electronic warfare disrupts positioning and signals.
“The unique format of the UNITE — Brave NATO program fosters direct synergy between defence companies from Ukraine and NATO jurisdictions,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine in a release. “We expect this initiative to deliver real game-changers in some of the most critical fields, such as air defence and robust navigation in GPS-denied environments, while simultaneously enhancing interoperability between our defence systems.”
The program is structured around joint development with Ukrainian companies and firms from NATO jurisdictions pairing up up and submit combined solutions. This, in turn, fast-tracks NATO tech into the Ukrainian military and gives the participants a clearer look into the Ukrainian military procurement process. Each side is expected to contribute a specific capability that fits into a single system and the goal is to move technologies that are already at a late development stage into systems that can be tested and used in operational settings.
The UNITE — Brave NATO will use a “matchmaking mechanic” to connect the joint project participants. NATO participants begin by registering on the program portal and completing a compliance check. Once approved, they can access a system that allows them to search for potential collaborators. When two companies agree to work together, they are connected directly and expected to submit a combined application.
The first round carries a total budget of €10 million. Individual projects can receive up to €1 million, split evenly between the Ukrainian and NATO participants. Ukrainian teams will be funded through Brave1, while NATO entities will be supported through the Comprehensive Assistance Package, limited to non-lethal categories.
The initial competition focuses on active protection systems against first person view drones, counter systems for long range one way attack drones and attack tools for targeting drone control links, among other topics. Winners from the first round are expected to be announced in the summer of 2026.
