Ukraine and France have officially launched BRAVE FRANCE, a groundbreaking defense technology initiative backed by a joint €20 million fund to accelerate battlefield innovation. The program is a partnership between Ukraine’s state defense cluster BRAVE1 and France’s Defense Innovation Agency (AID), with each country contributing €10 million equally.
This strategic partnership represents a “win-win” format, according to Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Ukraine gains immediate access to battlefield-changing European technologies, while France secures a unique opportunity to adapt its defense innovations to high-intensity modern warfare conditions.
The program will unite Ukrainian and French companies to co-develop cutting-edge technologies addressing critical frontline challenges, including advanced missile technologies, unmanned systems, and next-generation aerial countermeasures. Technologies will undergo rigorous validation in real combat conditions, ensuring solutions work under actual battlefield pressure.
BRAVE1 and the French Defense Innovation Agency have already agreed to launch a joint grant platform for collaborative development, including hackathons and pilot trials. Official launch occurred in Q2 2026, marking a significant milestone in European-Ukrainian defense cooperation.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. How much funding will each country contribute to BRAVE FRANCE?
Ukraine and France each contribute €10 million euros to the joint €20 million fund, operating on equal parity conditions to support collaborative defense technology research and development.
2. What defense technologies will BRAVE FRANCE prioritize?
The program focuses on missile systems, unmanned drones, and advanced air defense solutions. All technologies will be validated in real combat conditions via BRAVE1’s Test in Ukraine platform.
3. When will companies apply for BRAVE FRANCE grants?
The first call for projects opens in September 2026. Companies can receive grants up to €1 million to develop military technologies addressing critical frontline challenges.