How to Accelerate the Development of Advanced Defense Technologies in Ukraine

18.11.2025

Ukraine needs a unified center for defense technology development to achieve a technological edge over Russia. Ukraine needs its own DARPA.

Author:
Valentyn Badrak
head of the Center for Army Research,
Conversion and Disarmament Studies

How to Accelerate the Development of Advanced Defense Technologies in Ukraine

In response to Russia’s technological advantage and the fragmented nature of Ukraine’s defense efforts, it is essential to establish a unified state coordinator — an Agency for Advanced Defense Technologies under the Ministry of Defense, which would consolidate the efforts of Brave1, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, NTUU KPI, and the private sector. Despite successes such as the development of MAGURA V5 naval drones, underwater drones, planning and correction modules (UMPK) for aerial bombs, and the collaboration between Ukroboronprom and KPI within the Sikorsky Challenge framework, the state still does not fund private R&D, does not unify weapon systems, and fails to integrate solutions — even when components are ready, as in the case of ground robotic systems with anti-tank weapons from State Design Bureau “Luch” and a guidance system developed by “Ramzai.” The author proposes creating a Scientific and Technical Council under the Ministry of Defense to evaluate projects, coordinate consortia, and monitor global advancements — turning existing potential into systemic advantage.

How to Accelerate the Development of Advanced Defense Technologies in Ukraine

Author:Valentyn Badrakhead of the Center for Army Research,Conversion and Disarmament Studies

Read the full article [IN UKRAINIAN]

Author:
Valentyn Badrak
head of the Center for Army Research,
Conversion and Disarmament Studies