The European Union and Ukraine are launching a new grant program, EU4UA Defence Tech, with a total fund of €3.3 million. This initiative, focused on the Brave1 defence cluster, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities by financing the development of interceptor drones and advanced radar systems. The program was unveiled by Mykhailo Fedorov, the head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova in Kyiv on December 1.
“Today, 99% of our weapons, with which we kill the enemy and destroy their equipment, – all this is thanks to technologies that are rapidly developing, being developed and constantly updated in Ukraine. If we want to build relationships with our partners who fund and assist us, we need to create products together that these countries will also use to defend themselves,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.
The program is specifically designed to counter the threat posed by Iranian Shahed UAVs and their Russian counterparts, such as the “Gerber,” which have been frequently used in attacks against Ukraine. According to Fedorov, the initiative will focus on developing high-speed interceptors capable of reaching speeds exceeding 450 kilometres per hour.
Key Conditions and Stages of Funding
The first stage of the program aims to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences through the development of high-speed interceptors and advanced radar systems. The maximum grant amount for this stage is €150,000, surpassing the standard threshold for the Brave1 defence cluster. This funding will support technology validation, prototype creation, and testing. The first stage is set to begin on December 1, with applications open to companies with developments at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6. The deadline for applications is January 14, 2026.
In 2026, two additional stages are planned, each addressing current frontline challenges. This structured approach ensures that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of Ukraine’s defence sector.
The launch of the EU4UA Defence Tech program comes at a critical time for Ukraine. In November 2025, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that the Ukrainian interceptor drone, Octopus, had been launched into mass production. The technology has been handed over to the first three manufacturers, with another 11 companies preparing their production lines. This development underscores Ukraine’s growing capability in producing advanced defence technologies.
The EU4UA Defence Tech program represents a significant step forward in the collaboration between the European Union and Ukraine. By focusing on high-speed interceptors and radar systems, the initiative aims to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and foster innovation in the defence sector. This collaboration not only strengthens Ukraine’s ability to counter current threats but also lays the groundwork for future defence partnerships and technological advancements.