Brave1, BRDO launch grant program for high-speed interceptors, radars with EUR 3.3 mln from EU
The cluster for the development of military technologies in Ukraine Brave1 together with the European Union announced the launch of the EU4UA Defence Tech program with a total amount of EUR 3.3 million, within which grants of up to EUR 150,000 will be provided for the creation of high-speed autonomous interceptors and modern radar systems to strengthen the defense of the sky.
"Today, we are announcing something completely new: the first comprehensive program for defense innovations called EU4UA. This program is being implemented in cooperation with the Brave1 cluster and is funded by the European Union for EUR 3.3 million," said EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova at the presentation, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent.
She specified that the EU4UA Defence Tech project is funded by the European Union and will be implemented by BRDO in partnership with Brave1 from September 2025 to February 2027.
"Protecting the sky from Russian drones is a priority not only for Ukraine but also for Europe as a whole. Thanks to these grants, we will be able to bring products to market that can significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and technological autonomy," added First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov.
According to Fedorov, up to 12 companies can receive grant support. Companies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5-6 (alpha or beta prototype) can apply for the first competition, which has already begun. The deadline for submissions is January 14, 2026.
The program includes two more stages in 2026: one in March with the possibility of allocating up to EUR 75,000 per project, and one in June with the possibility of allocating up to EUR 33,000 per project.
In addition to grants, the EU4UA Defence Tech program will provide other tools to develop defense technology, including regulatory changes, the launch of the Brave1 Expo Room, and a hackathon, according to Fedorov.
The competition commission will include six representatives from the General Staff, the Ministry of Defense, Brave1, the European Commission (EC), the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO), and an external independent expert observer on anti-corruption issues.
