On February 18–19, 2025, Kyiv hosted the Defence Tech Innovations Forum 2025, organized by the Brave1 cluster and dedicated to defence innovations shaping the present and the future of the sector in Ukraine and globally. The forum brought together Ukrainian and international manufacturers, investors, experts in defence technologies, and representatives of innovative defence agencies from partner countries. Representatives of the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv and the European Defence Agency also participated in the event.

Today, Ukraine is undergoing a challenging yet unique experience in shaping a new generation of defence technologies, with the opportunity for direct battlefield testing. The Defence Tech Innovations Forum showcased four domains driving key defence tech revolutions of our time: Air, Land, Water, and Space. 

In particular, in the Air domain, leading experts and military representatives discussed the essential components of an effective air defence system capable of countering mass drone attacks, cruise and ballistic missiles, and hypersonic weapons. Discussions in the Land domain focused on robotic ground systems, while the Water domain highlighted the advancements of Ukrainian-made water drones. Another key topic of the forum was the exploration of new dimensions in future warfare – those unfolding in outer space. Within each of the four thematic blocks, Ukrainian developers - defence and miltech startups and companies–presented unique solutions for defensive and offensive operations in modern warfare. Forum participants highly praised the advancements and future potential of Ukraine’s defence sector.

“These events are greatly appreciated by the EU defence industry and governmental organisations as it is the best way to find partners in Ukraine and to get the overview of the latest developments. We need to build a defence ecosystem with strong cooperation between EU and Ukraine companies and organisations in order to keep up with the fast pace of developments on the battlefield. Ukraine is definitely leading the way on this and we have a lot to learn on the European side. I would like to thank Brave1 for putting together these conferences as they provide a very important platform for collaboration,” Martin Jõesaar, Programme Officer, EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv said.

The EU Defence Innovation Office (EUDIO) contributes to strengthening cooperation between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries as foreseen by the new European Defence Industrial Strategy, the Joint Security Commitments between the EU and Ukraine, as well as the European Defence Industrial Programme. The EUDIO supports the defence innovation activities and  facilitates joint initiatives and cooperation between innovative and industrial stakeholders of the EU and Ukraine.

Background: 

The Defence Tech Innovations Forum 2025 was organised by Brave1 with support from the EU Defence Innovation Office through the EU4Business: SME Policies and Institutions Support (SMEPIS) project. 

The Brave1 is a Ukrainian defence innovation cluster aimed at supporting the country’s defence tech industry in creating the best technological solutions to meet the needs of Ukraine’s Security and Defence Forces. Brave1 serves as a platform for collaboration between defence technology companies, the government, the military, as well as investors, volunteer foundations, media, and all those who contribute to accelerating victory through technology.

This cluster was established through the joint efforts of several Ukrainian ministries, including the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Security and Defence Council, the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.