Ukraine and international partners have reached a new level of cooperation in the field of defense technologies. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved unified interaction rules within the framework of the Brave International initiative. This was announced by Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko in her Telegram channel.
The new decision creates a clear mechanism for both already announced and future joint projects. These include initiatives with NATO, Norway, France, Germany, and Lithuania.
Operational mechanics and financing
According to the Prime Minister's statement, the approved procedure gives the "green light" for the rapid launch of joint grant competitions. This opens opportunities not only for Ukrainian companies but also for developers from foreign jurisdictions. The total budget for the first support programs already exceeds 100 million euros.
Project financing will be carried out through common grant funds. The principle of operation is based on equal contributions from Ukraine and the partner country. An important condition is the mandatory testing of all developments on the territory of Ukraine on the Test in Ukraine platform.
It is expected that the Brave1 cluster will launch the first international competitions in the near future.
Pooling experience and capacities
The interaction model within the initiative is aimed at pooling resources. The Ukrainian side provides unique combat experience and ready-made technological solutions. European partners, in turn, provide financing, production capacities, certification, and security of lines from possible shelling.
Currently, Ukraine, together with dozens of countries, is deploying mass production of drones abroad. Joint defense projects are being implemented in Norway, the Netherlands, Romania, and Germany.
Within the framework of the Build with Ukraine initiative, production lines are being opened on the territory of allies. The most active joint production is currently being deployed in Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Latvia.
New financial instruments
In addition to state initiatives, private partnerships are also developing. The Ukrainian defense company SkyFall and the Polish Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement provides access to financing from the European Union within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program. The funds will be directed towards the development of Ukrainian unmanned systems and dual-use technologies.