In 2025, the Ukrainian defense tech sector is expected to attract $100 million in investments to develop innovations in the defense field. This was stated by the head of Brave1, Natalia Kushnerska, during the Defense Tech Innovations Forum-2025.
"When it comes to investments, last year it was $40 million. While it may not seem like a large amount, compared to 2023, when it was $8 million, this is a significant growth. And this year, we plan to reach $100 million," Kushnerska explained in an interview with Militarnyi.
She added that the average check for defense tech companies is also constantly increasing.
"Investments started from $20,000, $30,000, $35,000. Now it’s several million dollars. Sometimes, it exceeds $10 million. And this, once again, shows the stability of our Ukrainian defense tech," said the head of Brave1.
The Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025 gathered over 3,000 participants from nearly 40 countries. The event hosted 150 foreign investors, including large defense companies interested in investing in Ukrainian developers to accelerate the development of their own technologies. The forum also featured a military technology exhibition. Foreign companies represented included Tekever, Shield.ai, Quantum Systems, ARX Robotics, MyDefence, and Vermeer. Manufacturers showcased various types of UAVs, EW and C4ISR systems, missiles, ground robotic complexes, relays, training systems, air defense, and AI-based software.
During the forum, 29 Ukrainian teams presented their developments to investors in a pitching session.
The Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025 also involved military personnel who shared their experiences of using technology on the battlefield.
The main topics of the forum were the development of technologies in four key domains: air, land, water, and space.
"The forum demonstrated that Ukraine is a global hub where defense innovations are born. This encourages the best foreign manufacturers to localize production and facilitate technology transfer," noted Brave1.
