Brave1 draws 45 foreign applicants to its Test in Ukraine program during IRON DEMO 2025
Brave1, Ukraine’s defense technology cluster, reported that 45 applications from foreign companies have been received to take part in its Test in Ukraine initiative, announced by Andrii Hrytseniuk during the Arming the Transatlantic panel at IRON DEMO 2025 on August 11.
“In Ukraine, everything happens much faster: there’s no need to wait months for testing permits, and feedback from technical and military experts comes almost instantly,” Hrytseniuk said.
The Test in Ukraine platform, launched in mid-July, now offers foreign manufacturers of aerial and ground unmanned vehicles, maritime drones, electronic warfare systems, and AI-based products a clear path for testing their systems in Ukraine. Companies can run trials directly on site for real-time adjustments, or rely on Brave1 specialists to conduct evaluations and deliver detailed reports to partners.
Most applications come from producers of UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles, and communications and navigation systems. Others include manufacturers of electronic warfare systems, laser weapons, missiles, surface drones, AI systems, and anti-drone solutions.
Hrytseniuk stressed that the launch marks a significant milestone in Ukraine–EU defense and technology cooperation: “Ukrainian experience and innovations, proven effective on the battlefield, combined with Europe’s powerful scientific and technological base, are the key to building a defense partnership capable of meeting these challenges.”
Context and broader implications
– The program’s rapid testing approach reflects Ukraine’s intent to accelerate battlefield-proven innovations into European defense capabilities and attract international collaboration.
– Earlier reporting noted Ukraine’s Bagnet drone, designed to intercept and destroy Russian drones in midair, illustrating the country’s push to field autonomous and counterdrone capabilities alongside international testing efforts.
What this means for partners
– Foreign companies gain a faster route to test and validate their systems in real-world conditions, with direct access to Ukrainian technical and military feedback.
– The initiative could deepen Ukraine–EU defense ties and spur joint development across unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and AI-enabled defense tech.
– Testing on site offers real-time adjustments, while outsourced evaluations ensure comprehensive, independent reporting to partners.
Summary
Brave1’s Test in Ukraine program is accelerating international collaboration in defense technology, offering a streamlined testing pathway for a broad range of unmanned, EW, and AI-driven systems, and signaling a strengthened Ukraine–EU defense technology partnership.
Additional comments
– If you’re a foreign supplier, this program provides a rare opportunity to refine products with immediate battlefield-informed feedback, potentially shortening time-to-field for new capabilities.
– Stakeholders should monitor regulatory, export-control, and data-security considerations as cross-border testing expands, to ensure compliance and maintain operational security.
Positive note
This initiative highlights ongoing resilience and innovation in Ukraine’s defense ecosystem, turning battlefield experience into collaborative progress with international partners.
Summary line
A fast-track, collaborative testing framework in Ukraine is drawing dozens of foreign entrants, reinforcing defense technology cooperation with the EU and accelerating the path from development to real-world deployment.