Brave1 functions as a joint innovation platform for Ukraine’s ministries, military and private technology sector. It serves as the country’s main hub for accelerating battlefield technologies from concept to combat deployment.
The partnership will establish joint task forces to drive technological projects. These efforts will range from initial scientific research to the modernisation of active equipment.
Airbus Defence and Space technologies will be integrated directly into Brave1’s “Test in Ukraine” framework. The framework enables live frontline co-testing, joint evaluation and the return of operational performance data into the development process.
The companies said this approach is intended to accelerate deployment and meet immediate security requirements. Airbus will also serve as a key partner of the Defence Tech Valley summit in Lviv, described in the release as one of the largest defence technology events in Europe.
“As Brave1 celebrates three years of building Ukraine’s defence tech ecosystem, our mission is expanding from launching startups to forging global industrial alliances under our new ‘Brave Prime’ initiative,” said Iryna Zabolotna, COO of Brave1. “In Ukraine, research and development cycles are measured not in months or years, but in days.”
“Partnering with a global leader like Airbus allows us to combine their decades of deep aerospace expertise with our agile, combat-tested R&D approach. Together, we are building faster, more resilient defence solutions for the future of European security.”
The agreement reinforces Airbus Defence and Space’s role as a European industrial partner for Ukraine. It also links Airbus aerospace expertise with Ukraine’s combat-tested defence innovation ecosystem.
“Collaborating with Ukraine on defence means effectively working on Europe’s collective security,” said Jo Mueller, member of the Executive Committee of Airbus Defence and Space. “Being chosen by Brave1 to become a strategic partner in one of the world’s most advanced defence ecosystems means a lot to us.”
“We are committed to supporting our partners with our comprehensive experience and skills in defence aerospace – while augmenting our future capabilities through the unique experience and talent of Ukrainian innovators.” The partnership was announced in Kyiv on 1 July 2026.
