Ukrainian Defence Companies Gain Access to Key European Defence Funding Programmes

A new milestone in European defence cooperation has been reached as Ukrainian defence companies gain direct access to two major EU funding instruments: the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). This development marks an important step towards deeper integration of Ukraine’s defence innovation ecosystem into the European defence sector.

The agreements were signed by EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov during the Ukraine-EU Defence Industry Forum. The decision strengthens cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union and creates new opportunities for joint innovation, research and industrial collaboration.

Strengthening Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem

Until now, Ukrainian companies could participate in EDF initiatives only as third-country entities, limiting their access to funding and their role within international consortia. Following the ratification of the agreements, Ukrainian defence companies will be able to apply for direct EU funding and take a leading role in collaborative defence projects.

This integration brings together two important strengths: Ukraine’s operational experience and rapidly developing defence innovation ecosystem, combined with Europe’s industrial capacity, expertise and financial resources.

Accelerating defence innovation through real-world testing

One of the key advantages of this cooperation is the ability to develop and validate defence technologies in operational environments. EDF-supported projects involving Ukrainian partners can benefit from real-world testing and feedback, accelerating innovation cycles and supporting the development of solutions that contribute to European and NATO defence capabilities.

New funding opportunities for Ukrainian defence companies

As part of the Ukraine Support Instrument (USI), €300 million has been allocated to further strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry:

• €260 million will support the expansion of Ukrainian defence manufacturing capabilities.
• €35.3 million is dedicated to the BraveTech EU USI programme, supporting startups developing advanced defence technologies. Companies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher can apply for grants of up to €200,000, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.

Building a more resilient European defence sector

The integration of Ukrainian companies into European defence programmes represents a significant step towards strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and resilience. By combining Ukraine’s proven ability to rapidly develop and deploy innovative technologies with Europe’s industrial scale and investment capacity, a stronger and more adaptive defence ecosystem can emerge.

The European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) welcomes this development as an important opportunity to further connect defence innovators, industry, governments and knowledge institutions across Europe.

The first joint funding calls for European and Ukrainian companies are expected to be announced soon. Organisations interested in participating are encouraged to explore opportunities for collaboration and build partnerships within this expanding European defence innovation network.

The European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) 2026

Join Europe’s leading platform where combat-tested innovation meets capital and policy! On 11 - 12 November 2026, EDIF will bring together defence leaders, manufacturers, investors, and policymakers from the Netherlands, Ukraine, NATO member states, and partner nations. The Forum focuses on partnership building, production cooperation, investment opportunities, and the integration of battlefield-proven technologies into the wider European defence tech ecosystem.

Security Delta (HSD) is a strategic partner of EDIF 2026. Together, HSD and EDIF share a common belief that the most impactful solutions come from collaboration. Europe's security depends on stronger cooperation across defence, technology, government, and academia, and platforms that connect the right people and ideas matter more than ever.

Make sure to register now as places are limited!