Ukraine Program Allows Western Firms to Test Defense Technology

Ukraine's state-backed Test in Ukraine program, launched in July 2025, permits foreign defense companies to evaluate drones, counter-drone systems, naval drones, uncrewed ground robots, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare equipment. Andrii Hrytseniuk, CEO of the Ukrainian innovation platform Brave1, told Business Insider that dozens of firms are already conducting tests, some on the battlefield, and that the number of participating companies continues to rise.

Companies that receive permits can have their products assessed at proving grounds or through direct battlefield use. Brave1 then links firms with Ukrainian soldiers who provide recommendations based on frontline experience. British startup Occam Industries tested its AI drone software in Ukraine.

Early trials showed the software functioned, but the original hardware proved unsuitable; after Brave1 introduced the company to Ukrainian manufacturers, the software was integrated onto locally made drones.

Vyskub, Ukraine's first deputy defense minister, stated that Ukrainian drones are often updated every three months before redeployment. He noted that most Western firms operate on longer development cycles and that only one Western company has matched the required tempo. Vyskub added that Western companies would need full-time representatives in Ukraine to keep pace with battlefield changes.