Ukraine’s Brave1 technology cluster has revealed that 45 foreign companies have applied to test their defence technologies under the newly launched Test in Ukraine initiative. The program, designed to connect innovative defence firms with Ukraine’s operational needs, has attracted applications ranging from drones and laser weapons to artificial intelligence systems. The majority of submissions come from manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), intelligence reconnaissance complexes (IRCs), and communication and navigation systems, with additional interest in electronic warfare tools, surface drones, and anti-drone systems.
Andriy Hrytsenyuk, head of Brave1, emphasised the program’s efficiency: “In Ukraine, everything happens much faster: you don’t have to wait months for testing permits, and feedback from technical and military experts comes almost instantly.” He highlighted that the initiative offers foreign firms a unique opportunity to not only test their products but also receive real-time feedback to refine their technologies rapidly. “This is a unique opportunity not just to test the product, but also to get real feedback and improve the technology in the shortest possible time,” Hrytsenyuk said.
The Test in Ukraine platform, operational since mid-July, provides a structured roadmap for foreign manufacturers to trial aerial, ground, and maritime drones, electronic warfare systems, and AI products in Ukraine’s conflict environment. Testing can be conducted directly in the field or by Brave1 specialists, with partners receiving detailed reports on performance. Hrytsenyuk described the initiative as a critical step in defence and technology cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, underscoring the urgency of preparedness. “No one knows when war may cross the EU borders, so our common mission is to be as prepared as possible today. Time is short, and we must move quickly, learn, and integrate Ukraine’s experience to improve EU defence technologies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army is reportedly set to launch an Amazon-like online platform in autumn 2025, inspired by Ukraine’s Brave1 Market. The platform aims to streamline the procurement of unmanned systems, allowing units to select products based on price and performance, reducing bureaucracy and accelerating deployment. The initiative recognises the importance of speed in modern conflicts and seeks to optimise the evaluation, procurement, and deployment of unmanned systems.
The Test in Ukraine initiative and the U.S. Army’s forthcoming platform reflect a broader trend in defence innovation: the need for agility and rapid adaptation in an evolving threat landscape. As Ukraine continues to serve as a testing ground for cutting-edge military technologies, its experience could reshape global defence strategies, fostering greater collaboration and technological advancement across NATO and beyond. The program’s success may also encourage other nations to adopt similar models, accelerating the pace of defence innovation and strengthening collective security.
