Nov 26 2025

NCIA to execute first NATO and Ukraine joint-initiative to accelerate defence innovation

On 26 November 2025, Ukraine and NATO announced the launch of UNITE – Brave NATO, the Ukraine-NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering programme. This is the first joint NATO-Ukraine programme on scaling prototyped and tested innovative technologies that help meet interoperability requirements.

Ukraine’s defence tech cluster Brave1 will coordinate from Ukraine’s side. NATO has chosen the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to execute the first competition.

NCIA to execute first NATO and Ukraine joint-initiative to accelerate defence innovation

The first competition will focus on bringing to the frontline new innovative products aiming to counter unmanned aerial systems, strengthen air defence and secure frontline communications. During this first round, NCIA will award innovation contracts worth a total value of EUR 10 million, allocated equally by NATO and Ukraine.

Companies interested in participating in this first competition may register their interest following the steps highlighted in the Notice of Procurement Opportunity and subsequently submit their joint bids in February 2026.

NATO and Ukraine are prepared to scale funding further, up to EUR 50 million for UNITE – Brave NATO. NATO will fund its contribution through its Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP) and Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation will match that amount.

Winners of the first competition will be announced in spring 2026 at the second NATO-Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum. Future phases of the programme, will be announced in 2026. Future UNITE – Brave NATO activities will focus on capability areas such as: Counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS), SIGINT systems, robust navigation in contested electromagnetic environments and unmanned ground systems.