Ukraine introduces Brave International system to develop defence innovation with its partners
Ukraine has officially introduced Brave International, a single system for cooperation with international partners to develop defence innovation.
Source: a resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government); Ukraine's Ministry of Defence
Details: The resolution establishes a single procedure for cooperation under existing and future international initiatives, including UNITE Brave NATO, Brave Norway, Brave France, Brave Germany and Brave Lithuania.
Quote from the Ministry of Defence: "The government's decision gives the green light to the rapid launch of joint grant competitions under these programmes. Importantly, participation will be open not only to Ukrainian companies, but also to developers and startups from international jurisdictions."
More details: The Ministry of Defence said that the total budget of the first international programmes and support instruments under Brave International already exceeds €100 million.
The ministry said the Brave1 defence technology cluster plans to launch the first joint international competitions in the near future.
The Ministry of Defence clarified that the platform's international workstream has three key objectives: identifying new technologies and products to meet the needs of Ukraine's defence forces, attracting additional funding for Ukrainian defence start-ups and deepening cooperation with international innovation ecosystems.
The ministry explained that Brave International's operating model provides for the creation of joint grant funds based on 50/50 co-financing between Ukraine and its partner countries, joint programme management through expert bodies on an equal basis, open participation for Ukrainian and international companies and mandatory testing of developments in Ukraine through the Test in Ukraine platform.
Background: It was reported earlier that the European Commission, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, and the governments of France and Finland have agreed to provide €343 million in EU guarantees and blended finance grants to support the development of Ukraine's defence sector.
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