NATO signs first innovation pact with Ukraine to test tech

NATO has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine to jointly develop and test defense technologies.

The agreement was finalized on October 29 at NATO Headquarters. It marks the first formal partnership between the alliance's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, known as DIANA, and a NATO partner nation.

The deal allows Ukrainian firms to access specific testing opportunities and guidance on meeting alliance requirements. For NATO, the move expands the pool of available suppliers and technologies that contribute to the alliance's security posture.

Jyoti Hirani-Driver, the acting managing director of DIANA, described the agreement as a starting point for deeper collaboration. She stated, "A door is opening. Now our job is to walk through it together. We have an enormous amount to learn from Ukraine."

The alliance noted that Ukraine has built a fast-acting innovation ecosystem while fighting Russia's war of aggression. This environment requires rapid testing and adaptation of technology under demanding conditions.

This pact follows the European Union's launch of the Agile and Rapid Innovation in Defence programme, which permits Ukrainian companies to participate. Separately, Ukrainian and Dutch defense industries have started work on a joint air defense project.