Ukraine has unveiled its domestically developed laser air defence systems, still in closed‑door testing, alongside AI‑powered low‑cost cruise missiles for the first time, while also announcing the “Brave Prime” partnership with Airbus and Saab a move that will directly impact the global military supply chain. These defence investments, shaped by real‑time battlefield data, were formalised at the large scale Brave1 Advantage event held in Kiev.
Over its three years of operation, the defence cluster has provided 5.8 billion UAH in grants to nearly 1,000 projects. In this new phase, it is shifting its focus toward fully autonomous systems and directed‑energy weapons based on new physical principles. Brave1 Defence initiatives play a critical role in this strategic transformation.
The Brave Prime platform, announced during the event, aims to directly integrate multinational prime contractors into Ukraine’s domestic production processes. The official agreements signed with aviation and defence leaders Airbus and Saab will channel large‑scale industrial expertise into local R&D projects. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted the shift in priorities for procurement and development operations, noting that the main focus is now on battlefield robotics designed to minimise troop casualties, as well as AI‑integrated low‑cost cruise missiles. Fedorov also added that they are working on cost‑effective domestic radars to support the lower tier of the air defence network, along with laser air defence systems currently in testing. Notably, Brave1 Defence was mentioned as enabling a new era of technological integration.
State Partnership for Domestic Explosives Production
Another operational outcome of the Brave1 Advantage event was a domestic explosives programme aimed at reducing Ukraine’s reliance on imported raw materials. Following a grant competition, six local companies qualified for state support. Of the total project value of 944 million UAH, 620 million UAH will be covered by state co‑financing. This budget will enable the serial production of TNT, RDX, PETN, and C‑4 equivalent plastic explosives within Ukraine. In addition, Brave1 Defence efforts continue to drive the localisation of critical supply chains.
Systems Displayed in a Restricted‑Access Area
At a live‑fire exhibition held in a closed, high‑security format, more than 70 munitions and strike system manufacturers demonstrated their operational capabilities. In this limited‑access section, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, surface‑to‑air missile systems, jet‑powered attack UAVs, and domestically developed glide bombs attracted particular attention.
53 New Priority Areas and Advanced Technologies
In line with real‑time needs relayed by military officials from the front lines, 53 new technology categories have been added to the grant programmes. Depending on the technology readiness level, developers will receive direct funding ranging from 500,000 to 8 million UAH. The new investment plan covers missile materials, swarm systems, autonomous UAVs, underwater drones, lightweight torpedoes, and next‑generation electronic warfare components designed to counter glide bombs. Advanced sensor technologies such as railguns and hyperspectral cameras are also among the areas to be supported.
European Integration: BraveTech EU and Year‑End 2026 Targets
The BraveTech EU initiative, conducted in integration with the European defence framework, will offer funding of up to 8 million UAH across more than 40 areas, regardless of the technology’s current stage of development. This will finance automatic guidance modules for high‑speed strike systems, military exoskeleton technologies, active protection systems, and electromagnetic pulse munitions. According to the Ministry of Defence and Brave1’s year‑end 2026 roadmap, large‑scale capital grants exceeding 100 million UAH per project will be introduced in capital‑intensive areas such as UAV‑launched missiles, microwave strike systems, and humanoid robots.
🔍 You may also like
Source: C4Defence– mod.gov.ua
