The program will operate as a bilateral platform designed to support defense technology startups, innovators, research institutions, and companies in Lithuania and Ukraine, the Ministry of National Defence (KAM) announced on Monday.
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The initiative aims to create a mechanism connecting the defense innovation ecosystems of both countries, promote the development of technologies that meet real operational needs, and accelerate the transition of promising solutions from concept and prototype stages to testing, legalization, and practical application.
According to KAM, efforts will be made to ensure that supported projects meet real defense needs and, if possible, are based on battlefield experience, operational feedback, and practical defense sector requirements.
To implement the initiative, Lithuania and Ukraine will consider the possibility of using additional financial resources, including national funds, international donors, European Union instruments, private investments, venture capital, and other financing mechanisms.
The memorandum of intent was signed by Deputy Minister of National Defence Vitalija Zumerienė and Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence Serhijus Bojevas at the defense innovators forum in Vilnius, with the participation of the prime ministers of both countries.
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“The ‘Brave Lithuania’ program marks a new stage of cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine in the defense sector. By combining knowledge, technological capabilities, and practical experience, we will develop and implement solutions faster that increase the readiness of our armies and strengthen overall security. This is an investment not only in the defense of our countries but also in a safer future for Europe,” V. Zumerienė was quoted as saying in the statement.
As BNS reported, the discussions at the second NATO–Ukraine defense innovators forum focused mainly on the challenges Ukraine faces in rapidly developing, producing, and using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and countermeasures against them.
There has been increased discussion recently about strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank air defense following drone incidents recorded in the Baltic states, Finland, and Romania.
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