Ukraine, together with NATO, is launching the first joint program to accelerate the development of defense innovations — UNITE — Brave NATO.

This was announced by the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, on November 26.

He met with Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Radmila Šekerinska, to discuss the development of the project.

The first pilot competition will start in 2026 with a total budget of €10 million. In Ukraine, the program will be coordinated by Brave1, and NATO will implement the first competition through the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). Funding will be provided under the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP) and by the Ministry of Digital Transformation.

The focus will be on developing new innovative products for:

  • countering drones;

  • strengthening air defense;

  • providing communication and navigation systems at the frontline.

“This is a win-win initiative for NATO and Ukraine, in which innovators from both sides will develop joint solutions. This will give the Alliance invaluable real-time experience, and Ukraine — faster development of defense technologies”, — said Mykhailo Fedorov.

The expected start for submitting applications is February 2026. Winners will be announced in spring 2026. Details of the competition will be announced at the beginning of the year.

“The plan is to increase the joint program funding to €50 million. I thank our partners for their trust and cooperation. Together, we will develop advanced defense technologies to protect Ukraine and the democratic world”, — wrote the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.