Ukraine and the Netherlands are launching a €20 million fund for defence research and development
This has been reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
Developers from Ukraine and the Netherlands are invited to apply for the programme. The fund will finance projects in the fields of unmanned technologies, robotic systems, missiles, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and reconnaissance, communications and other defence sectors.
The main criterion will be the practical value of the development. Funding will be awarded to technologies capable of demonstrating effectiveness in real combat conditions and strengthening the defence capabilities of partner countries.
How the €20 million will be allocated
Ukraine and the Netherlands will fund the programme equally — each country will provide half of its budget.
Applications will be assessed by expert committees comprising representatives from both countries. Final decisions on the allocation of grants will be taken by joint executive boards. This system is designed to ensure that projects are assessed on an equal footing.
The Ministry of Defence has not yet specified the size of individual grants, the eligibility criteria for applicants or the start date for accepting applications.
Ukraine and the Netherlands are expanding their defence partnership
In April 2026, the countries agreed to begin work on the bilateral ‘Drone Deal’ initiative and the joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The cooperation covers the development and production of drones, missiles, electronic warfare systems and other defence technologies. It also involves investment in defence infrastructure, research and the exchange of combat experience.
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