BRAVE1

Talking about Europe's security without Ukraine is impossible today 🇺🇦 Last week, the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum took place, organized by the French Ministry of Defense under the patronage of President Emmanuel Macron. Symbolically, the event was held at the École Militaire in Paris, a renowned institution where Napoleon Bonaparte studied. Artem Moroz, Head of Investor Relations at Brave1, participated in the conference. Key topics discussed at the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum: ▪️ New security and defense partnerships ▪️ The future of international alliances ▪️ The potential of European armed forces ▪️ Cooperation between Ukrainian and European defense tech A separate panel was dedicated to Ukraine’s defense tech sector and its collaboration with European partners. Key takeaways: ▪️ Competition between Ukrainian and European companies is unnecessary. Ukraine values the expertise of its partners while developing its cutting-edge defense solutions. For example, France is known for its high-quality traditional weaponry — artillery, tanks, and fighter jets — whereas Ukraine focuses on innovative technologies. This makes cooperation, not competition, the priority. ▪️ Ukraine’s strength lies in its defense industry, which is integral to the broader European defense sector. Ukrainian technologies should be integrated into international platforms for sales and distribution. ▪️ Historically, investing in the defense sector was a red flag for Europeans, as it was associated with financing violence. However, due to obvious reasons, this perception has changed. Today, defense is a crucial social sector that protects human rights and democracy. Attracting not only investors but also banks to fund defense tech is essential. The forum also featured a roundtable on potential cooperation, with representatives from Ukrainian defense manufacturers among the participants. Artem Moroz outlined the key areas where Brave1 is open to collaboration: unmanned ground vehicles, demining equipment, naval drones, fire control systems for artillery, UAVs, and pilot training programs.

Using a dedicated radio frequency range will protect Ukrainian drones from enemy electronic warfare The defense tech cluster Brave1, with the support of the Deputy Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Brig. Gen. Andrii Lebedenko and the Armed Forces’ Innovation Management Directorate conducted tests of Ukrainian-made drones and electronic warfare (EW) equipment operating within a dedicated frequency range. This range shields the equipment from enemy EW interference, ensuring the stable operation of Ukrainian FPV drones — critical for carrying out numerous combat missions in modern technological warfare. Around 20 Ukrainian defense tech companies — manufacturers of FPV drones and EW systems — tested their innovative developments. Ukrainian service members from units that use similar technologies in combat, along with representatives from other defense industry companies, observed the trials. Based on the test results, several developments were sent for further testing in defense forces units, while others will be refined for future implementation in line with recommendations from security and defense forces representatives. Brave1 — strengthening Ukraine’s technological edge!

The first thousand 100% Ukrainian FPV drones will soon be deployed on the battlefield. This is one of those cases where "made in Ukraine" is more than just a label — it’s proof of the capabilities of domestic manufacturers and our commitment to victory through technology. VYRIY has presented the first batch of these domestically produced drones. All key UAV components are made in Ukraine, with some developed in-house by VYRIY and others produced in cooperation with local companies. While the core electronics are still imported, established mass production reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China. It also boosts the domestic market, strengthens the national economy, and streamlines logistics. Oleh Donets, head of the direction of cooperation with security and defense forces at Brave1, joined the discussion on drone manufacturing localization. He shared insights on production standardization, highlighting the following key points: ▪️ In 2023, when Brave1 was just launching, the primary task was to understand the defense innovation market. At that stage, standardization wasn’t on the table — supporting any initiative was the priority. ▪️ Setting standards too early, before even defining how the technology should be used, could slow down the market. This remains a guiding principle for Brave1. ▪️ Now, with more than 500 UAV developers in the market, standardization should be considered only as a means to improve existing capabilities. ▪️ The decision to standardize or not should be driven primarily by military needs while maintaining close communication with manufacturers. ▪️ A lack of standardization also has its advantages — variety in approaches can sometimes lead to unexpected and innovative solutions.

Attention investors! On March 20, the Ukrainian Startup Fund and Brave1 will host the Dual-Use Invest Demo Day. Eight promising Ukrainian dual-use startups will showcase their groundbreaking solutions to angel investors, venture capital funds, and strategic partners. The event will also include networking opportunities, fostering collaboration among key players in the field to attract investment, expand partnerships, and drive the development of innovative dual-use technologies. The dual-use designation holds significant market potential, as these technologies can be applied in both civilian and defense sectors. Dual-Use Invest Demo Day will take place in Kyiv, with an option to join online. The event will be held in English. Due to security reasons, participants will receive exact venue details later. Register here: https://lu.ma/kmfquz4m Space is limited. Investors, as key stakeholders, will receive priority, and participation will be confirmed after the organizers select them.

Defense technologies are our advantage. Every day, we strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities through technology. The enemy has felt it, and this is just the beginning. Support Ukraine and its innovations! 🇺🇦

🇫🇷🤝🇺🇦 France and Ukraine strengthen defense cooperation! The French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) of the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France and Brave1 have signed the Terms of Reference for the coordination group on testing and evaluation. The agreement was concluded on February 18 in Kyiv during the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025. This agreement opens new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in defense research and development. The main goal is to enhance communication and knowledge exchange, facilitating the effective testing of innovative products. AID and Brave1 will join forces to develop joint projects capable of addressing modern security challenges. Together towards victory and technological superiority!

Ukrainian drones need a stable connection to ensure they fly as far as possible. That’s why Brave1, with the support of Deputy Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Col. Andrii Lebedenko and the Armed Forces’ Innovation Management Office, conducted large-scale testing of relay drones in collaboration with more than 20 Ukrainian companies. This solution enables reconnaissance and strike UAVs to operate seamlessly, even in the most challenging conditions. Relay drones provide uninterrupted connectivity for reconnaissance and strike UAVs, allowing them to operate deep behind enemy lines regardless of terrain or urban environments. What was tested? ▪️ Autonomous takeoff, flight, and hovering at a designated point ▪️ Drones operating without GPS using optical stabilization ▪️ UAVs powered by external sources to extend operational time ▪️ Nighttime optical stabilization to minimize losses in low-light conditions During testing, military personnel and developers discussed key criteria and technical requirements to ensure these systems meet real combat conditions. The next step is refining the technology and conducting further tests to bring relay drones closer to large-scale deployment on the front line. Brave1: creating innovations for Ukraine’s technological edge!

Ukrainian defense tech company M-FLY raises $1.3 million in investments! Another example of how Brave1 helps developers secure funding and scale their innovations. M-FLY, a company specializing in laser guidance systems, has raised $1.3 million from three dedicated defense funds — Resist.ua, MITS Capital, and The Freedom Fund — as well as private investors from Ukraine, Denmark, Grenada, the United States, and an Estonian military technology company. The funding will support the completion of high-precision laser target designators resistant to electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures. These systems can be used for guiding precision weapons and air defense systems. The company is already testing its technology at a training ground, preparing for mass production, and seeking additional investment to integrate artificial intelligence and swarm drone control. Through Brave1 initiatives — demo days, investor networking, and specialized industry events that connect Ukrainian developers with funding — M-FLY has successfully secured this new investment round. As a result, M-FLY is actively testing its technology, preparing for mass production, and gearing up for the next round of funding to implement its human-on-the-loop concept — integrating swarm drone control and AI-powered solutions. Brave1 is creating growth opportunities for defense tech companies to ensure Ukraine’s technological superiority!

Drone carrier: the far-reaching arm of Ukrainian forces Speed, precision, and range play a decisive role in modern warfare. Drone carriers have become the "long arm" of Ukrainian troops, capable of reaching targets up to 100 kilometers away. 📌 What is a drone carrier? It is a fixed-wing or multirotor drone that carries up to six FPV drones, serving as a relay for communication between the operator and the FPV drones. 📌 Advantages of drone carriers: ◾ Fixed-wing drones operate at distances of up to 100 km, with an average range of 40-70 km ◾ Operators can control the drones from a safe distance ◾ The primary drone delivers FPV drones, which strike targets such as electronic warfare systems, air defense assets, or command centers at a range of 3-7 km from the drop point ◾ A cost-effective solution for striking targets 📌 Are they used on the battlefield? Yes, drone carriers are already actively employed by Ukrainian forces. Developers continuously improve these systems, extending their range, enhancing communication, and reducing costs. Brave1 collaborates with 15 teams, four of which have successfully tested their designs in combat conditions. One such development is a drone carrier by the Ukrainian company Autonomous Engineering R&D Ukraine. This cutting-edge technology enables Ukrainian forces to carry out missions with maximum precision and safety. Drone carriers are an innovation that expands the military's capabilities and brings us closer to victory!

Constant improvement, frontline needs, and war economy: Military expectations from defense tech On the second day of the forum, alongside pitch sessions for investors, a workshop was held where active-duty military personnel shared their experiences using defense tech innovations on the front lines. Lieutenant Oleksandr Yabchanka, company commander of the Honor unit within the Da Vinci Wolves battalion, along with service members from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, call signs Hadiuka (Viper) and Phil, discussed the use of ground robots and outlined their requirements for manufacturers. ▪️ Logistics is the foundation of victory, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) can play a key role. ▪️ Direct communication and systematic engagement between the military and manufacturers are crucial for understanding the real needs of the front line and testing equipment in real time. ▪️ Specialization among manufacturers and the war economy: Producers should focus on their niche instead of trying to do everything at once while maintaining an effective price-to-quality ratio. ▪️ UGV modernization — technology must be continuously updated and upgraded to keep up with battlefield developments. Ukrainian service members expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation with developers and urged them to reach out more actively with proposals, particularly through the Brave1 platform. Combining Ukrainian military expertise, developers' innovative potential, and favorable conditions for investors creates unique opportunities for advancing defense technology. We continue working to gain a technological advantage over the enemy and secure Ukraine’s victory.