EU expands defence innovation effort with BraveTech EU phase two

The European Commission and the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the second phase of the BraveTech EU initiative

With €35 million in funding, the new BraveTech EU phase aims to accelerate the development and testing of cutting-edge technologies designed to meet urgent operational needs, particularly those arising from the war in Ukraine.

BraveTech EU was first introduced in July 2025 as a joint effort involving EU institutions and Ukrainian partners, including the defence innovation cluster Brave1.

The programme was designed to close the gap between emerging technologies and real-world military applications, enabling innovative solutions to be rapidly identified, refined, and deployed.

BraveTech EU is structured in two phases. The first phase, known as “DefTech Forges,” focuses on scouting and selecting promising innovations from across Europe. This stage is managed by a consortium that includes Civitta, Starburst Accelerator, and Darkstar, organisations experienced in nurturing early-stage technologies.

Real-world testing

With the second phase now underway, responsibility shifts to the EDA. This stage is centred on testing and evaluating selected technologies in conditions that closely resemble real operational environments. By incorporating scenarios inspired by the conflict in Ukraine, the programme ensures that solutions are not only innovative but also practical and immediately relevant.

This hands-on validation process is a key feature of BraveTech EU. It allows developers to refine their technologies based on realistic challenges, improving their readiness for deployment. The approach also helps reduce the time it takes for new tools and systems to move from concept to active use.

Supporting Ukraine

A main goal of BraveTech EU is to support Ukraine while enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities. By aligning innovation efforts with real battlefield needs, the initiative creates a direct link between technological development and operational effectiveness.

Rather than relying solely on long-term research cycles, BraveTech EU emphasises speed, adaptability, and cross-border collaboration. This model allows for faster responses to emerging threats and evolving military requirements.

Implementation of BraveTech EU is already in progress. The first DefTech Forges events are scheduled for June in Estonia and France, where innovators will present and refine their solutions. Initial testing and evaluation activities are expected to follow later in the year under the guidance of the EDA.