Combat-proven Ukrainian secure communications technologies are emerging as an increasingly important element of Europe’s defence posture, as armed forces and defence industries seek resilient systems tested under the pressures of modern warfare. Interest has intensified as European governments look for reliable tactical communications capable of operating in contested electromagnetic environments.
The shift reflects a broader reassessment of defence supply chains and technological readiness across the continent, driven by the growing prominence of electronic warfare and the need for uninterrupted command and control in crisis scenarios.
Ukrainian firm attracts investment and European defence interest
On December 22, 2025, the Ukrainian company HIMERA, which develops encrypted tactical communications systems, announced it had raised more than $2.5m to expand its technologies and enter international markets, according to a report published by PSM7. The funding highlights growing confidence among investors in solutions shaped by real battlefield conditions.
European armies and defence manufacturers have shown particular interest in systems that have been tested during high-intensity conflict and under sustained electronic interference. Ukrainian developers are seen as having a unique advantage, having refined their technologies amid constant attempts by an adversary to disrupt, intercept or disable communications.
Nato-linked contract strengthens credibility
HIMERA has already completed its first government contract for the defence ministry of a European Nato member state, underscoring its rising international credibility. The agreement has been viewed in defence circles as a signal that Ukrainian solutions meet stringent security and performance requirements applied by Western militaries.
Officials familiar with the project say such contracts help accelerate trust-building between Ukrainian technology providers and European defence institutions. They also demonstrate how battlefield-tested systems can move rapidly from national use to broader allied adoption.
Reducing dependence and closing capability gaps
For the European Union, cooperation with Ukrainian secure communications firms offers an alternative to traditional suppliers outside Europe, reducing dependence on a narrow set of global providers. This diversification is seen as a way to strengthen supply resilience and limit vulnerabilities in critical defence infrastructure.
Integrating Ukrainian technologies could also help narrow long-standing capability gaps in protected tactical communications. Systems developed by HIMERA are designed to resist jamming and interception, supporting continuous coordination in high-risk environments and potentially forming part of shared communication standards among EU and Nato forces.
Dual-use benefits beyond the battlefield
European officials note that the advantages of secure communications extend beyond military use. Technologies originally designed for combat can be adapted for emergency services, security agencies and critical infrastructure, improving civilian resilience to cyber and electronic threats.
Such dual-use potential broadens the appeal of cooperation with Ukrainian defence startups, opening pathways for shared markets, joint investment and technology transfer that support both security and economic objectives.
Long-term strategic and political impact
Beyond technical considerations, collaboration in secure communications is strengthening political and defence ties between Europe and Ukraine. Support for Ukrainian defence innovation is increasingly viewed as an investment in long-term security partnerships rather than a short-term response to conflict.
As Europe prepares for a prolonged period of strategic competition, officials say that integrating Ukrainian expertise helps build a more autonomous, innovative and resilient defence ecosystem capable of meeting shared threats.
