Ukraine Joins NATO’s Strategic Science and Technology Planning for the First Time

In a groundbreaking step toward deeper Euro-Atlantic integration, experts from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense are for the first time directly contributing to the development of NATO’s Science and Technology Strategy – the Alliance’s key guiding document for innovation and defense research over the next six years.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

This milestone became possible thanks to Ukraine’s privileged partnership within NATO’s Science and Technology Organization (STO), a principal NATO body that supports the Alliance and its partners by producing, coordinating, and promoting cutting-edge scientific knowledge, technological developments, and defense innovations.

According to a statement from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the country’s experts are collaborating with STO officials to shape NATO’s strategic research and development priorities. The updated Science and Technology Strategy will define the Alliance’s goals in this domain, key areas of technological focus, mechanisms for implementation, and policy frameworks to guide future cooperation across NATO and partner states.

“The involvement of Ukrainian specialists in this process is a testament to the growing trust and interest of our NATO partners in closer cooperation with the Ministry’s scientific community,” said Volodymyr Mirnenko, Director of the Department of Military Education and Science. “This joint effort will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities through shared research outcomes and technological innovation.”

Mirnenko also emphasized the role of scientific diplomacy in promoting Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration, noting that the creation of a shared knowledge base and coordinated scientific collaboration with NATO members will enhance interoperability and mutual understanding.

The NATO Science and Technology Strategy is a foundational policy document. It not only sets out strategic objectives but also ensures that scientific and technological developments align with the evolving defense and security needs of the Alliance. The inclusion of Ukraine in this process is seen as a major step forward in bridging Ukraine’s defense system with that of NATO.

As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukraine’s Western allies are in advanced talks to provide additional Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv, aiming to finalize an agreement before the NATO summit in late June.