# Norway and Ukraine Launch Defence Technology Cooperation

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/norway-and-ukraine-launch-defense-technology-cooperation
- Published: 2025-10-09
- Author: Jacob Wollheim
- Type: News · Section: Industry · Country: norway
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/norway-and-ukraine-launch-defense-technology-cooperation.md
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- Tags: norge, ukraina, brave-norway, brave1, ffi, mykhailo fedorov, andreas flåm, kenneth ruud, försvarsdepartementet norge, ministerium för digital transformation ukraina, ukraine, norway, forsvarets forskningsinstitutt, ukrainian ministry of digital transformation, norwegian ministry of defence, ai, unmanned systems, cyber defence, air defence, autonomous maritime systems

> Brave-Norway is a new programme where Ukraine and Norway jointly develop and test defence technology, focusing on AI and unmanned systems. The project is funded with 20 million euros.

![Ukrainas minister för digital transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov och Andreas Flåm, statssekreterare vid Norges försvarsdepartementet](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/18e85153-286c-4011-a75c-4b51399a8e00/public)
*Ukrainas minister för digital transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov och Andreas Flåm, statssekreterare vid Norges försvarsdepartementet · Ukrainas Ministerium för digital transformation / Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license*

**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](https://digitalstate.gov.ua/news/tech/brave-norway-eur20m-to-boost-defense-innovation-between-ukraine-and-norway) 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](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7381992136386211840/).

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](https://www.ffi.no/aktuelt/nyheter/norsk-ukrainsk-samarbeid-om-nye-forsvarsteknologier) 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.

![Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI)](https://preview.sdl.no/v2/dam/idcj4-OiEdNLLTuJhXBjiA/HKK9Pjn9dZw?v=1757419511176)
*Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI)*

## FAQ

**How does the Brave–Norway programme for defence technology work?**

The Brave–Norway programme works by funding defence technology projects between Norway and Ukraine. The programme has a budget of 20 million euros and targets companies and research environments in both countries. The technologies are tested in Ukraine for practical field verification. Last fact-checked: 2025-10-13.

**What is the purpose of the Norwegian and Ukrainian defence technology cooperation?**

The purpose of the Norwegian and Ukrainian cooperation is to promote innovation in defence technology. It is a bilateral initiative to create new solutions for joint security. The programme strengthens both Ukraine's resilience and Norway's technological competence. Last fact-checked: 2025-10-13.

**Why is the Test in Ukraine platform important for Brave–Norway?**

The Test in Ukraine platform is important for Brave–Norway because it enables practical field verification of technologies. This accelerates development and identifies solutions with battlefield relevance. The platform provides invaluable experience and strengthens competence in the industry and research. Last fact-checked: 2025-10-13.

**When does the first phase of the Brave–Norway programme start?**

The first phase of the Brave–Norway programme is expected to start before the end of the year. The programme was presented at a ceremony in Kyiv on October 7th. It is a joint initiative between Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation and Norway's Ministry of Defence. Last fact-checked: 2025-10-13.

**Which technologies are covered by the Brave–Norway initiative?**

The Brave–Norway initiative covers AI-based systems, drone technology, cyber defence, missiles, air defence, and autonomous marine solutions. Projects can be funded through hackathons and targeted calls. These technologies are crucial for providing Ukraine with an operational advantage. Last fact-checked: 2025-10-13.

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