(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has opened access for domestic manufacturers to eight military technologies developed within the armed forces and the ministry itself. The move is designed to speed up the production of defence goods and expand supply to the country’s defence forces.
The technologies now available for licensing include the Octopus interceptor drone, a guided munition, the Vitryak drone detector, and communication, control and homing systems for unmanned platforms. Manufacturers can apply for the right to use these technologies in order to produce defence items at scale.
To take part in the licensing programme, a manufacturer must first submit a notification of interest along with documents confirming that it meets the project criteria. After that, a contract is signed with the Ministry of Defence. If a producer wishes to review the technical documentation before committing to a contract, access can be granted under a non disclosure agreement with the developer. Once the review is complete, the manufacturer must submit a renewed notification of interest, which then opens the path to signing a contract and beginning to use the technology.
The Ministry of Defence has also launched a dedicated section on the Brave 1 portal where the available technologies are described. An automated system for collecting notifications of interest has been set up in a secure, closed part of the platform. All messages received through the portal are processed directly by the ministry.
The Brave 1 platform has become a central hub for defence innovation in Ukraine, connecting developers, manufacturers and state bodies. The latest expansion of its functions reflects a broader effort to streamline the transfer of military technologies from state research and development into private sector production. This approach aims to shorten the time between innovation and frontline deployment, while also building a more self sufficient domestic defence industry.
The licensing initiative follows a period of active technology transfer. During the final quarter of 2025, the Ministry of Defence granted 30 licences to producers for technologies developed by military personnel within the ministry. The opening of a further eight technologies continues this trend and signals the government’s intention to maintain momentum in defence industrial cooperation.
The economic dimension of this effort is significant. In a separate development, six explosives manufacturers were recently awarded grants totalling more than 900 million Ukrainian hryvnia. At current exchange rates, that sum equals approximately 24.3 million US dollars or 19.2 million British pounds. Such funding shows the scale of investment being directed towards expanding domestic defence production capacity.
For Ukrainian manufacturers, access to state developed military technologies offers a valuable opportunity to enter or expand within the defence sector without bearing the full cost of research and development. For the armed forces, it means a wider and faster supply of proven equipment. The model also encourages competition among producers, which can help improve quality and drive down costs over time.
The technologies now on offer cover areas that are critical in modern warfare, particularly unmanned systems and electronic detection tools. The Octopus interceptor drone and the Vitryak drone detector, for example, address the growing importance of counter drone capabilities. The guided munition and communication systems support precision and coordination on the battlefield.
No specific per unit pricing for the licensed technologies or royalty fees was disclosed. The ministry has focused instead on the procedural path for interested companies, which is designed to be transparent and secure. The use of a closed portal and non disclosure agreements possibly indicates the sensitivity of military technology and the need to protect operational advantages.
Be First to Comment