In three years, over 1,500 companies have emerged in Ukraine, producing drones, missiles, robots, electronic warfare systems, and innovations.
Most of these developments didn't exist in 2022, and now the Ukrainian Defense Tech market is growing incredibly fast.
Over 3,000 participants from 40 countries gathered at the largest event in Ukraine's defense technology industry — the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025. Manufacturers, investors, scientists, representatives of top companies, and governments learned about the game-changers of war from Ukrainian developers and discussed the future of military technologies.
The first day was dedicated to the development of defense technologies in Ukraine, key challenges, and opportunities. Mykhailo Fedorov spoke at the forum’s opening and outlined strategic steps to support defense innovations:
- Opening markets: the Ukrainian government is actively promoting the development of the drone and missile systems market. Brave1 has already allocated more than 470 grants, totaling over UAH 1.3 billion, to support defense startups.
- Gamification: a bonus system for distributing drones was launched. Participants in the system — units of the Security and Defense Forces — receive points for hitting enemy targets, which can later be exchanged for additional equipment. During the forum, new technologies in air defense, autonomous systems for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the use of marine drones to destroy enemy ships, and the potential of space technologies for military needs were discussed.
The second day featured a large-scale exhibition of defense technologies, showcasing hundreds of game-changing innovations — from UAVs and electronic warfare systems to missiles and training systems for military personnel.
Additionally, 29 teams pitched their projects to global investors. Among the most interesting were an AI-based tool for analyzing UAV photos and a software solution to improve the effectiveness of targeting with firepower.
Another important track is investments and grants. Brave1 has already issued over 470 grants totaling more than ₴1.3 billion. Private investors have also raised $40 million just in 2024, thanks to Brave1. The Defense Tech Innovations Forum was attended by 150 foreign investors, including major defense companies interested in investing in Ukrainian developers.
The Defense Tech market is growing very actively, with new solutions constantly emerging. Such forums provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to meet investors, secure funding, and create developments that will become game-changers on the battlefield.
