Ukraine and Norway are launching a new joint innovation programme focusing on defence technology. Brave–Norway, as the initiative is called, has an initial budget of 20 million euros and is aimed at companies and research environments in both countries. All technologies developed within the framework of the programme will be tested in Ukraine.

– This is the first bilateral grant programme we are implementing together with another country's government. Brave–Norway is an example of how international cooperation can create new solutions for common security, says Ukraine's Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov.

The initiative was presented at a ceremony in Kyiv on 7 October where a memorandum of understanding was signed between Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation and Norway's Ministry of Defence. The Norwegian part is coordinated by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), while Ukraine is led by the innovation platform Brave1.

According to Andreas Flåm, State Secretary at Norway's Ministry of Defence, the war in Ukraine is an example of how quickly technological needs can change in combat. He believes it is crucial to contribute to rapid innovation to give Ukraine an operational advantage.

– We see this as a way to strengthen resilience and innovation capability in Ukraine, but also as an opportunity to gain new expertise ourselves. The technology developed will not only be delivered to Ukraine but may also be relevant for our own defence, says Flåm.

The programme includes, among other things, AI-based systems, drone technology, cyber defence, missiles, air defence, and autonomous marine solutions. Projects can be funded through two avenues: hackathons where concrete solutions are developed in collaboration between Norwegian and Ukrainian technology developers, and targeted calls for innovation support to companies and consortia.

The solutions will be tested via the platform Test in Ukraine, providing a direct link to practical field verification. It is a model that, according to both FFI and Brave1, is crucial for accelerating development and identifying solutions with actual battlefield relevance.

– Through this programme, we will have Norwegian defence technology tested and evaluated in a real operational context. It provides invaluable experience and strengthens the competence in our industry and research, says Kenneth Ruud, Director of FFI.

Brave1 was established in 2023 and has quickly become a hub for the development of advanced defence solutions in Ukraine. Brave–Norway is expected to start its first phase before the end of the year.