Ukraine and NATO are launching a competition to neutralize enemy airfields
NATO’s Allied Command Transformation and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) have announced an innovative competition called “Persistent Airfield Denial,” aimed at finding solutions for the sustained denial of enemy airfields. The initiative’s prize fund totals up to 250,000 euros.
The goal of the challenge is to find solutions for the long-term restriction of the use of enemy airfield infrastructure and aviation.
Participants are expected to propose solutions for neutralizing key elements of the enemy’s aviation infrastructure.
Proposals that can ensure autonomous or operator-controlled neutralization of aircraft, runways, fuel and ammunition depots, and ground support infrastructure will be considered.
Detailed contest terms and conditions are available at the link.
Ukrainian miltech companies already have unique experience in developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies in real combat conditions.
JATEC and NATO’s Transformation Command invite manufacturers, startups, and engineering teams to participate and present their innovations.
NATO has significantly increased the prize pool for this competition. This time, the winners of the challenge will receive up to 250 thousand euros after demonstrating their solutions.
The deadline for submitting proposals is July 20, 2026.
During the first phase of the competition, up to 10 finalists are expected to be selected, and they will be announced on August 11, 2026, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
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