Lithuania and Ukraine have signed an agreement to launch a joint defence innovation programme, bringing together startups, researchers and defence companies from both countries to fast-track the development of new military technologies.
The Brave Lithuania programme, announced at the NATO-Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum in Vilnius on Monday, will create a shared platform to support the development of technologies addressing real operational needs – drawing where possible on battlefield experience from Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia.
The agreement covers the full development pipeline, from initial concept and prototype through to testing, validation and practical deployment. Funding is expected to draw on a mix of national budgets, European Union instruments, international donors, private investment and venture capital.
The letter of intent was signed by Lithuanian Deputy Defence Minister Vitalija Zumerienė and Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Serhii Boiev, in the presence of the prime ministers of both countries.
The forum in Vilnius has placed particular emphasis on the rapid development and deployment of drones and counter-drone systems – an area in which Ukraine has accumulated significant frontline expertise. Delegates are also discussing the strengthening of air defences along NATO's eastern flank, following a series of drone incidents reported in recent months in the Baltic states, Finland and Romania.
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