The Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA) has become the first Ukrainian cluster to join the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR), marking a historic step in the deepening of EU–Ukraine defence cooperation.
Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA) is the union of Ukrainian clusters with the strong focus on industrial and high-tech clusters, it unites 42 clusters and 2,500+ Size and Medium Enterprises across all key industries and regions. Together with the Ministry of Economy, UCA shapes national and regional cluster policy and connects members to European value chains, European Enterprises Network (EEN) and European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP). It integrates EU-UA cluster potential through prototyping centre networks, European Defence Fund (EDF) access, supply-chain localisation, reskilling/upskilling, and cluster internationalisation – turning frontline innovation into scalable, export-ready production and strengthening Ukraine’s integration into Europe’s defence-industrial and innovation ecosystem.
UCA leads Clusters4Defense, an initiative mobilizing Ukrainian and EU clusters as Defence Enablers in the Dual Use/MilTech sectorб https://www.clusters.org.ua/en/clusters4defense-initiative/.
The UCA’s membership is more than a symbolic milestone. It creates new opportunities for regional cooperation, joint production, technology transfer and the scaling-up of innovations developed under the pressure of war. Ukraine’s experience in drones, counter-drone systems, rapid prototyping and battlefield-driven innovation can contribute directly to Europe’s efforts to strengthen defence readiness and industrial resilience. By joining ENDR, the UCA connects these strengths with Europe’s regional defence ecosystems, supporting a stronger Ukraine and a more secure Europe.
Background:
Back in July 2026, the European Commission and Ukraine signed a new defence industrial partnership, launched the EU–Ukraine Drone Deal and announced a further €1 billion to support Ukraine’s drone capabilities. Ukraine’s association with the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Industry Programme further strengthens opportunities for Ukrainian and European companies to work together on research, innovation and industrial projects.
On 16 September 2026, the Ukrainian Parliament Verkhovna Rada ratified the agreement between Ukraine and the European Union on Ukraine’s participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF), thus allowing the first Ukrainian membership in the ENDR network.
Launched by the European Commission in 2016 and funded through the European Defence Fund since 2022, ENDR brings together regional organisations, clusters, business associations and other stakeholders supporting Europe’s defence-related industrial ecosystems.
As of 21 September 2026, the network has grown by 100 % plus members since spring 2025 and comprises 132 entities from 23 EU Member States, Norway – and now Ukraine.
