Applications are now open for the DefTech Forges technology challenges under the Ukraine/European Union BraveTech EU grant programme. The programme’s primary goal is to identify and fund new technological solutions that address the needs of the Ukrainian front and strengthen Europe’s defence.
Ukrainian manufacturers and companies from European Union member states developing detection capabilities and other defence and dual-use technologies at Technology Readiness Level 4 or above are eligible to apply.
DefTech Forges is a series of on-site competitions for selected defence startups competing for EUR 120,000 grants, with the potential to secure up to EUR 750,000 in further funding.
The application period closes on 6 September, when a panel comprised of military personnel and technical experts will select the 40 best proposals. Two groups of 20 will then take part in test events, currently scheduled for November 9–13 in Germany and Romania.
Companies can review the detailed competition conditions and apply on the BraveTech EU portal.
For more information
The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.