May 11, 2026
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov have signed a letter of intent to launch Brave Germany, a joint Ukrainian-German initiative aimed at advancing defense technologies and supporting innovative military startups.
The announcement was made by Mykhailo Fedorov via Telegram on May 11.
The initiative will be implemented through Brave1, the government-backed defense technology cluster that supports the development and testing of military innovations.
According to Fedorov, the program will include a joint grant mechanism for Ukrainian and German companies developing solutions in key defense technology sectors, including unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, high-power laser systems, advanced communications technologies, and missile-related projects.
Brave Germany is intended to help address technological gaps on Ukraine’s front line by integrating innovations developed in cooperation with partner countries.
The project will also feature collaborative activities such as hackathons and matchmaking events focused on developing practical solutions for modern battlefield challenges and strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and German defense-tech ecosystems.
Officials said the program is designed to accelerate the development of technologies relevant to modern warfare, helping Ukraine improve its battlefield capabilities while contributing to Europe’s broader long-term security architecture.
The two countries agreed to launch the first competition phase of the program by the end of 2026.
Additionally, Pistorius said Berlin would continue supporting Ukraine’s defense sector while deepening cooperation in drone technologies. According to the minister, German and Ukrainian companies are already working together on several prospective projects involving the joint development and production of unmanned aerial systems, as reported by Suspilne.
The planned cooperation includes both short- and medium-range drones with flight ranges under 100 kilometers, as well as long-range systems capable of striking targets at distances of up to 1,500 kilometers.
Pistorius emphasized that the development of long-range drones is becoming increasingly important for countering Russian attacks on Ukraine’s military infrastructure. He noted that large-scale deployment of such systems could significantly improve Ukraine’s ability to suppress and destroy enemy air defense systems.
The German minister also said Berlin is interested in expanding its broader defense partnership with Ukraine and learning from Ukraine’s experience in modern warfare. In particular, Germany is studying Ukrainian battlefield management systems and the combat experience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on May 11 for a previously undisclosed visit centered on deepening defense-industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.
According to DPA and German broadcaster, the trip was kept confidential ahead of time due to security concerns. The discussions were expected to focus on expanding joint defense initiatives, particularly in the field of unmanned weapons technologies.
Pistorius stated that upcoming projects would involve the “joint development of modern unmanned weapons systems of all ranges.”
Bah! Ukraine should only share innovations with allies like Bavaria. 😁
Let’s wait for the cry of nazis coming out of the kremlin.
A good and necessary move by Germany, but it still has a way to go to be considered brave.
Timmy is dead… like the pruSSian army during WWI…