More and more Western defense companies are seeking to test their weapons and technologies in Ukraine, where the fighting has effectively become a testing ground for the development of drones, robotic systems, and electronic warfare tools. This was reported by Business Insider, according to UNN.
Details
This refers to the state program "Tested in Ukraine," which launched in the summer of 2025. Within its framework, international manufacturers can bring their developments to Ukraine, test them in combat or near-combat conditions, and receive feedback directly from the Ukrainian military.
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According to the CEO of the Ukrainian platform Brave1, Andriy Hrytsenyuk, hundreds of companies have already submitted applications, and dozens of systems are currently undergoing testing, including at the front.
This is the #1 country in the world for drone usage
He noted that interest in the program is being shown by both large defense corporations and small tech startups. Areas of focus include strike and naval drones, counter-UAV systems, ground robots, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare (EW) tools.
War forces technology to change
One example is the British startup Occam Industries, which brought an AI-based drone control system to Ukraine. After testing, it was discovered that the European hardware could not withstand frontline conditions, after which Brave1 helped the company integrate its software with Ukrainian combat drones. The company stated that thanks to cooperation with Ukraine, they were able to "quickly move from what doesn't work to what does."
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First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Vyskub emphasized that many Western companies are not keeping up with the pace of change in modern warfare. According to him, Ukrainian drones can be updated every three months, while Western manufacturers work much slower.
Most companies need a lot of time to develop a drone
Ukraine is becoming a center for military innovation
The article notes that Ukraine is increasingly establishing itself as a global center for combat innovation. Ukrainian technologies, particularly interceptor drones and autonomous systems, are already generating significant interest in NATO countries and the Middle East.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukrainian security experience and military technologies have become "the most sought-after products for dozens of countries around the world."