BRAVE1 Newsletter #4

Newsletter by BRAVE1 team covering Ukrainian defense tech ecosystem, global trends of the sphere, and reports.

Content

• UA defense tech ecosystem
• International Stakeholders in Ukraine
• Global Media
• BRAVE1: interviews, columns, events
• Reports

UA Defense tech ecosystem

Now is the right time to create a military hub in Ukraine - President at the meeting with representatives of international defense companies.

"The sky shield and demining are our two biggest priorities today. This includes air defense means and the production of systems for warning, surveillance, etc.," the Head of State stated.

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/zaraz-slushnij-chas-dlya-stvorennya-v-ukrayini-vijskovogo-ha-85977?

Arsenal of the Free World: Results of the First International Defense Industries Forum

• On 29 September 2023, the First International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC1) took place in Kyiv, bringing together 252 companies from more than 30 countries, producing a full range of weapons, military equipment, and defense systems.?
• Key initiatives: a special economic regime, Defense Fund, Defense Industries Alliance
• Within the Forum, Brave1 presented the panel discussion “Defense Tech And Technological Superiority In The War.” Project Lead Nataliia Kushnerska showcased the defense tech ecosystem in Ukraine and moderated the dialog with respectful Ukrainian and international representatives of UAV, Robotics, and EW companies.

https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/arsenal-vilnoho-svitu-pidsumky-pershoho-mizhnarodnoho-forumu-oboronnykh-industrii?

Accelerated putting on service and supply of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment to the troops: The government supported the Resolution developed by the Ministry of Defense

UAVs & EW solutions will be admitted to the army based on the act of joint departmental tests or based on the results of studying the tactical and technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer.

https://www.mil.gov.ua/news/2023/10/21/prishvidsheno-dopusk-do-ekspluataczii-i-postachannya-bpla-ta-zasobiv-reb-u-vijska-uryad-pidtrimav-rozroblenu-minoboroni-postanovu/?

The Ministry of Defense has simplified the procedure for writing off property in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The main functions

The nuance was that this write-off could last up to six months, but now it has been reduced to 2-3 weeks.

https://babel.ua/en/news/99645-the-ministry-of-defense-has-simplified-the-procedure-for-writing-off-property-in-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-the-main-functions?

The government simplified the import of raw materials for the production of ammunition and UAV components

https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/premier-ministr-sproshchuiemo-import-syrovyny-dlia-vyrobnytstva-boieprypasiv-ta-boiovykh-chastyn-bpla?

The Ministry of Defence appointed new Deputy Ministers of Defence

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved three Deputy Ministers of Defence:

• Yurii Dzhyhyr — Deputy Minister, responsible for finance.
• Nataliia Kalmykova — Deputy Minister, responsible for social development.
• Kateryna Chernohorenko — Deputy Minister, responsible for digital development.

The main priority for new team members is our warriors, their lives, health, and dignity. The task of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is to ensure respect for the dignity of warriors in all their interactions with the state.

https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2023/09/27/the-world-bank-the-army-of-drones-the-ukrainian-veterans-foundation-the-ministry-of-defence-appointed-new-deputy-ministers-of-defence/?

A draft budget for 2024 provides almost UAH 56 billion for the development of the defense industry in Ukraine

Development of Ukrainian innovative technologies 1.5 UAH billion (Innovative projects to meet the needs of the security and defense sector (BRAVE 1). The Верховна Рада Укра?ни (Ukrainian Parliament) adopted the draft budget 2024 in the first reading.

https://mof.gov.ua/storage/files/Budget-2024_Eng.pdf?

Ukrainian developers receive over $1 million in grants for defense technologies via BRAVE1

https://mspu.gov.ua/en/news/ukrainian-developers-receive-over-1-million-in-grants-for-defense-technologies?

Ukraine, Estonia, and Luxembourg have launched the IT Coalition

During the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting on 19 September, the Ministers of Defence of Ukraine, Estonia, and Luxembourg conducted a kick-off meeting of a new IT Coalition under the ‘Ramstein framework’. Overall 20 Nations participated in the kick-off event. Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, and Latvia have already joined the initiative by signing a Declaration of Intent together with Ukraine, Estonia, and Luxembourg.

https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2023/09/19/ukraine-estonia-and-luxembourg-have-launched-the-it-coalition/?

Green Flag Ventures is a new fund for investments in Ukrainian startups, including defense tech?( Deborah Fairlamb )

https://ain.ua/2023/10/02/green-flag-ventures-novyj-fond-dlya-investyczij-v-ukrayinski-startapy/?

New French VC Kóryos will invest in Ukrainian defense startups. The volume is $20 million ( Arnaud Dassier )

https://ain.ua/2023/10/03/v-estoniyi-zapuskayetsya-fond-koryos-vc/?

Ukraine will launch a market for humanitarian demining services through Prozorro | Система публ?чних закуп?вель Прозорро

https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/ukraina-zapustyt-rynok-posluh-iz-humanitarnoho-rozminuvannia-cherez-prozorro-premier-ministr?

During the second meeting of the National Cluster on Information Resilience, the use of innovative technologies in the fight against disinformation was discussed

Over fifty representatives of government agencies, intelligence agencies, the private sector, academia, and public figures participated in the event online and offline. In particular, representatives of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC) , the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture, the Center for Public Advocacy, and private companies Mantis Analytics , Griselda, and Matezis.

https://www.rnbo.gov.ua/en/Diialnist/6627.html?

The National Aviation University is being reorganized into two institutions. This will affect the production of drones

The Deputy Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science and Technologies Mykhailo Fedorov explained that this is an important decision for the development of Ukrainian air piloting, the production of drones, the development of defense-tech?

https://babel.ua/en/news/99525-the-national-aviation-university-is-being-reorganized-into-two-institutions-this-will-affect-the-production-of-drones?

"Army of drones": How private drone manufacturers "master" the defense budget

https://biz.censor.net/resonance/3448681/armiya_droniv_yak_pryvatni_vyrobnyky_bezpilotnykiv_ta_shkoly_pilotiv_osvoyuyut_oboronnyyi_byudjet?

Defense tech company Zvook develops acoustic detection of air targets, a tech solution that improves capabilities of protection & security

https://speka.media/ukrayinci-stvorili-texnologiyu-yaka-viznacaje-roztasuvannya-raketi-za-zvukom-intervyu-z-ml-inzenerom-volodimirom-sidorskim-polynp?

FPV drones: weapons that changed the modern war

https://mil.in.ua/en/articles/fpv-drones-weapons-that-changed-the-modern-war/

International stakeholders in Ukraine

Baykar Technologies investing $100M in Ukraine

“The construction has already started. It will take about one-and-a-half years to finish it. We are targeting a minimum 300 people to work here. And we have ongoing cooperation," Haluk Bayraktar said.”

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3768064-baykar-investing-100m-in-ukraine.html?

The UK defense manufacturer Babcock International Group established Babcock Ukraine within the International Defense Industries Forum?

The opening of an office in-country where a dedicated team will focus on supporting Ukraine and our industry partners

https://www.babcockinternational.com/news/babcock-in-ukraine/?

Ukrainian defense companies sign over 20 contracts with foreign partners - Alexander Kamyshin

Representatives of the Ukrainian military industry have shown foreign partners a decent production level at the Defense Industries Forum, which resulted in the conclusion of more than 20 joint contracts of various levels.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3768204-ukrainian-defense-companies-sign-over-20-contracts-with-foreign-partners-kamyshin.html?

The French company TURGIS GAILLARD signed a contract with DP Antonov to produce multifunctional Aarok drones in Ukraine.?

These are new drones that debuted this year at the Paris Air Show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP8y7HKnp7o?

Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine creates AI innovations for education, demining, and other areas jointly with Palantir Technologies

“Jointly with Palantir, we create a virtual assistant for the Government. Revolutionary tool powered by AI will help to find out the number of destroyed schools, minefields, suggest rebuilding plans, etc.”

https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7120057455291588608/?

Spain will hand over six “Hawk” air defense systems to Ukraine

https://babel.ua/en/news/99471-spain-will-hand-over-six-hawk-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine?

Jamming Wars, part 2: Aaronia AG and Rohde & Schwarz , German electronic warfare heavyweights in Ukraine

https://www.intelligenceonline.com/surveillance--interception/2023/10/17/jamming-wars-part-2-aaronia-and-rohde--schwarz-german-electronic-warfare-heavyweights-in-ukraine,110077368-art

Global Media?

Defense News : Change of plans: US Army embraces lessons learned from war in Ukraine

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/10/09/change-of-plans-us-army-embraces-lessons-learned-from-war-in-ukraine/?

Financial Times : Nato’s €1bn venture fund offers defence start-ups an alternative to China

https://www.ft.com/content/2a41355b-e0bb-425b-b49c-3864cb48bf26?

TechCrunch : Venture capital is opening the gates for defense tech

https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/30/vc-defense-tech/?tpcc=tcplustwitter?

The Economist : To endure a long war, Ukraine is remaking its army, economy and society

https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/09/21/to-endure-a-long-war-ukraine-is-remaking-its-army-economy-and-society?

Defense One : Beset by Russian airstrikes, Ukraine looks to make its weapons abroad

https://www.defenseone.com/business/2023/09/beset-russian-airstrikes-ukraine-looks-make-its-weapons-abroad/390409/?

Reuters : In U.S.-China AI contest, the race is on to deploy killer robots

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/us-china-tech-drones/?

Sifted : ‘Promising dynamics’ boosting Europe defence tech but role models still needed

And although more young defence startups are emerging, Europe still has few at scale, says Torsten Reil , cofounder and CEO of Helsing , a Munich-based company developing AI software for the armed forces, which is running several programmes in Ukraine. He laments that many founders still aim to sell very early and says Europe needs more role models with the know-how and determination to grow.

https://sifted.eu/articles/promising-dynamics-boosting-europe-defence-tech-but-role-models-still-needed?

WIRED : In the War Against Russia, Some Ukrainians Carry AK-47s. Andrey Liscovich Carries a Shopping List

Mike Madsen, a strategic adviser to the DIU’s director, attributes part of this new energy to Pentagon officials “watching the speed with which Ukraine has been able to deploy this kind of technology.” The eastern front is a live laboratory, and every military’s eyes are fixed on it.

https://www.wired.com/story/ukraine-russia-war-military-retail/?

Bloomberg News : Russian Hackers Hit Ukraine More But Get Less as Cyberwar Shifts

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-09-27/russian-hackers-hit-ukraine-more-but-get-less-as-cyberwar-shifts?

Forbes : Ukraine’s AI Drones Seek And Attack Russian Forces Without Human Oversight

The Saker Scout drones can find, identify and attack 64 different types of Russian ‘military objects’ on their own, operating in areas where radio jamming blocks communication and prevents other drones from working.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2023/10/17/ukraines-ai-drones-seek-and-attack-russian-forces-without-human-oversight/?sh=4a6f409c66da?

Le Temps : En Ukraine, les entrepreneurs de la tech en arrière-front

?Nous avons pour mission de favoriser l'émergence d'une Silicon Valley ukrainienne?, explique Nataliia Kushnerska, COO de la structure Brave1 https://www.letemps.ch/economie/en-ukraine-les-entrepreneurs-de-la-tech-en-arriere-front?

ABC News : It's a kayak with a grenade launcher. And it could be a game-changer in Ukraine

https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukrainian-special-forces-combat-kayaks-fight-russian-army/story?id=103411391?

Newsweek : Ukraine Army's 'Invisibility Cloak' Ready for Mass Production: Developers

https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-army-invisibility-cloak-ready-mass-production-developers-thermal-cameras-1832366?

雅虎 : Ukraine’s tech innovations born of war

https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-tech-innovations-born-war-191500558.html?

Recorded Future : Inside Ukraine’s secret drone factories

Then, in April, the Ministry for Digital Transformation launched a program called Brave1, an effort to push innovations to the front lines faster. In Bornyakov’s telling, the process is still pretty simple. Potential suppliers sign into the Brave1 portal, provide some sort of identification to prove they are Ukrainian, and then offer ideas and innovations that can help win the war.

https://therecord.media/ukraine-secret-drone-factories-click-here?

Army Recognition Group : Ukraine to deploy Ironclad articulated UGV in combat operations

The development and production of the Ironclad UGV were conducted by Roboneers , a Ukrainian company comprising teams of engineers, electronic engineers, ex-military personnel, and IT specialists specializing in UAVs, remote control modules, software, situational awareness programs, and remotely controlled platforms. This collaborative effort received support from the Brave1 cluster, an initiative established by the Government of Ukraine to foster collaboration within the defense tech industry, offering organizational, informational, and financial support to defense tech projects.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/ukraine_to_deploy_ironclad_articulated_ugv_in_combat_operations.html?

Atlantic Council : Ukraine’s drone army is bringing Putin’s invasion home to Russia

The country’s Ministry of Digital Transformation is probably the closest thing to a coordinating body, with Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov a prominent advocate of drone warfare. Earlier this year, Fedorov’s Ministry co-founded BRAVE1, a defense tech cluster that aims to streamline cooperation between the Ukrainian state, the armed forces, and the country’s vibrant tech startup scene.

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/ukraines-drone-army-is-bringing-putins-invasion-home-to-russia/?

The Recursive : Can Ukraine Become the Silicon Valley of Defense Tech?

Since its official launch in April this year, the Brave1 cluster has become the epicenter of Ukraine’s defense tech landscape. Spearheaded by seasoned entrepreneur Nataliia Kushnerska and her team, the goal for Brave1 is to connect the diverse elements of this ecosystem – ranging from companies and startups to government agencies, defense forces, and investors.? Bojan Stojkovski

https://therecursive.com/can-ukraine-become-the-silicon-valley-of-defense-tech/?

Building a defence startup: 6 lessons I’ve learned by Erik Markus Kannike

“6. If you are not in Ukraine you do not exist”

https://medium.com/@ErikKannike/building-a-defence-startup-6-lessons-ive-learned-11619b3a514e?

BBC : How Ukraine is building its drone empire

https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cer7rz2drv7o?

Startup Army : How the War in Ukraine is Rewriting the Future of Defense Tech

https://21185704.hs-sites.com/blog/startup-army-how-the-war-in-ukraine-is-rewriting-the-future-of-defense-tech?

The role of AI in Russia's invasion of Ukraine: Interview with expert Anton Tarasyuk from Mantis Analytics

https://globalvoices.org/2023/10/13/the-role-of-ai-in-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-interview-with-expert-anton-tarasyuk/?

BRAVE1: interviews, columns, events

Up to 6 months after the launch of the Ukrainian Defense Tech cluster BRAVE1:

• 640+ applications from Ukrainian innovators in 12 priority verticals; 340+ passed military expertise and 290+ got BRV1 status;
• Grant program: Over $1,2MLN for 68 defense tech projects have already received grants ($5 and/or $25k);?
• Verticals: from UAV, naval drones, and radio-electronic warfare to unmanned aerial vehicles, AI, command and control management systems, cybersecurity, demining, and more;
• Several tracks in progress: center of competence, prototyping hub, testing ground, analytical projects, hackathons, international partnership & cooperation, communications
• Events: GICAT French-Ukraine matchmaking, the First International Forum of Defense Industries, IT Arena , UAV conference by Boryviter Center of Excellence &? BRAVE1, NATO dialog, Defense Tech Meetup with Paul Clayton MBE & BRAVE1, UAV Tech 2023 Conference in London, etc.

Interviews with & about BRAVE1

Mykhailo Fedorov : Innovations born during the war?

Piranha Tech, Roboneers, UADAMAGE , Artellence , Backfire

https://nv.ua/ukr/opinion/viyna-v-ukrajini-fedorov-nazvav-p-yat-novih-rozrobok-yaki-vzhe-pracyuyut-na-fronti-50359917.html?

Head of BRAVE1 Nataliia Kushnerska : Ukraine is Silicon Valley, only in defense tech

"International defense companies understand that they are either in Ukraine or "overboard."

https://www.epravda.com.ua/publications/2023/10/17/705522/?

"The world was not ready for such a war." The BRAVE1 cluster transfers defense developments to the Armed Forces - how many of them

https://tech.liga.net/ua/ukraine/interview/svit-ne-buv-hotovyi-do-takoi-viiny-klaster-brave1-peredaie-zsu-oboronni-rozrobky-skilky-ikh?

Nataliia Kushnerska, head of defense tech cluster BRAVE1: What do the Armed Forces need and how to meet their needs

https://www.nrcu.gov.ua/schedule/play-archive.html?periodItemID=3614600?

Nataliia Kushnerska: Who and how to invest in Ukrainian defense tech

“During the full-scale war, we were convinced that in the fight against an aggressor whose army is significantly superior in terms of numbers and resources, it is necessary to fight with intelligence and technology. It is they who become our advantage on the battlefield.”

https://biz.nv.ua/ukr/experts/ukrajinski-tehnologiji-dlya-armiji-ta-oboroni-hto-vkladaye-groshi-v-innovaciji-shcho-vedut-do-peremogi-50353499.html?

Special: Ukraine and global leadership in AI | Alex Bornyakov , Ministry of Digital | AI HOUSE Podcast #10 Bogdan Ponomar

IT Arena 2023: The Future of AI, Startups, and Tech Cities

This year, in partnership with the defense technology cluster Brave1, IT Arena introduced a special category for defense startups. The first place in this category was awarded to Himera – a compact digital radio station for communication within military units. Second place went to Zvook, an acoustic detection hardware-software complex for identifying airborne objects. The third place was secured by Falcons, who developed the ETER system for enemy communication equipment, electronic warfare, and drones triangulation. Additionally, defense tech startups Zvook, Falcons, Mantis Analytics, and Griselda received $200,000 in investments from an angel investor.?

https://itarena.ua/it-arena-2023-ai-startups-and-tech-cities/?

How to strengthen the Ukrainian military-industrial complex: A view from the business side

“A positive and timely example is Brave1. This is a defense tech cluster founded by the Ministry of Digital, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the Ministry of Strategy and Industry, the NSDC, and the Ministry of Economy. It has the appropriate level of formalization (state institution), governance (by a group of founding regulators), and resources to finance promising developments.”

https://biz.nv.ua/ukr/experts/yak-viroblyati-dostatno-zbroji-v-ukrajini-osnovni-tezi-biznes-pidhodu-50359238.html?

Serhiy Prytula on drone development in Ukraine – interview

In addition, let’s not forget that the Brave1 platform was set up on the initiative of [Digital Transformation Minister] Mykhailo Fedorov and his associates half a year ago. This is an important thing in the progress of communications between the state as a regulator, the state as a buyer, producers who need investment, foundations that want to buy what you produce, and businesses that want to invest. This platform has greatly benefited the processes.?

https://english.nv.ua/nation/serhiy-prytula-on-drone-development-in-ukraine-interview-50356360.html?

Ukrainian versatile unmanned combat vehicle undergoes frontline testing

The Ukrainian Army is testing the Ironclad unmanned combat robot in live operations. The versatile robotic platform assists forces by storming positions, recon, and fire support at 20km/h speed.

https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/09/22/ukrainian-versatile-unmanned-combat-vehicle-undergoes-frontline-testing/?

The Power of the Ukrainian Technology Sector’s War Effort

Key to the tech sector’s ability to help has been the government response to ideas from business which allows companies to pitch innovative projects for helping the war effort directly through the Brave1 initiative.

https://blog.polymernanocentrum.cz/the-power-of-the-ukrainian-technology-sectors-war-effort/??

Five Ukrainian war startups taking on Russia’s brute force

https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/10/19/five-ukrainian-war-startups-taking-on-russias-brute-force/?

Reports

RUSSIA’S CYBER TACTICS H1’2023: Lessons Learned: Shift in the Patterns, Goals, and Capacity of the Russian Government and Government-Controlled Groups

The number of recorded cyber incidents more than doubled in H1 2023

https://cip.gov.ua/en/news/kilkist-zareyestrovanikh-kiberincidentiv-u-pershomu-pivrichchi-2023-roku-zrosla-bilshe-nizh-udvichi?

The Incredible Tech: catalogue of Ukrainian IT companies and IT products

The Ukrainian IT industry includes about 2,300 companies, of which 72% have IT products. The catalogue includes 95 promising product IT companies and 22 most competitive for the global world IT products: DefenceTech, E-commerce&Retail, Gaming, EdTech, FinTech&Insurtech, HR Tech, HealthTech, LegalTech, GovTech, and others. Top Lead IT Ukraine Association

https://itukraine.org.ua/files/ITIGUIT.pdf?

InVenture Investment Digest? (September 2023)

https://inventure.com.ua/upload/digest/InVenture%20Investment%20Digest%20(September%202023).pdf?

State of AI Report 2023

https://s8200238.sendpul.se/sl/MTI1NTA1Mw==/c496421560485c6a585f49089529c9d1a87dds9?