Germany, Ukraine partner to develop defence tech

A new joint grant programme has been launched by Germany and Ukraine for defence startups in both countries to bridge critical capability gaps in Ukraine. 

The ‘Brave Germany’ programme, announced by Ukraine’s Brave1 defence accelerator on 12 May, is intended to catalyse innovation in areas such as uncrewed technologies, AI, high-power lasers, new communication solutions, and missiles. 

The programme’s inaugural competition is set to be launched by the end of 2026. It will also host hackathons and matchmaking sessions.  

“Brave Germany will accelerate the development of technologies for modern warfare that help Ukraine gain battlefield advantage and strengthen Europe’s future security,” Brave1 said. 

The announcement follows the signing of a letter of intent by Germany’s Federal Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, and his Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov. 

This approach appears to mirror the Brave France initiative – announced in February – and bares similarity to the BraveTech EU programme, both of which host events and offer grants to fund collaborative defence innovation. 

Brave1 has not replied to DSEI Gateway’s request for comment on the differences between Brave Germany and Brave France, or whether other countries could be next, at the time of publication. 

Germany’s importance for Ukraine 

This new collaboration leverages Germany’s position as one of Ukraine’s biggest military and financial supporters, but also a source of increased industrial collaboration. 

Exemplifying this, German companies are among the most active in forming joint ventures with Ukrainian companies, with high profile examples including: 

• Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry: formed by Germany's Rheinmetall and Ukraine's state-owned Ukrainian Defense Industry 
• Quantum Frontline Industries: formed by Germany's Quantum Systems and Ukraine's Frontline Robotics 
• An autonomy-focused software firm created by Germany-US company Auterion and Ukraine’s Airlogix 
• A reconnaissance drone manufacturer created by Germany’s Wingcopter and Ukraine’s TAF Industries