Bacon, Costa Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S. Defense Innovation Through Partnership with Ukraine

Bacon, Costa Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S. Defense Innovation Through Partnership with Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), Wesley Bell (MO-01), and Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced the bipartisan H.R. 10772 Frontline Innovation Act. This legislation will authorize the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to evaluate and invest in Ukrainian defense technologies, allowing the United States to benefit directly from innovations developed and refined on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Ukraine has emerged as a leader in developing modern defense technologies as it continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion. Ukrainian companies are developing advanced drones, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare tools that are being tested and improved under real combat conditions against a determined adversary. These innovations offer valuable opportunities to strengthen U.S. defense capabilities while supporting Ukraine's ongoing efforts to defend its sovereignty.

However, existing U.S. defense cooperation agreements have not kept pace with these technological advancements. The last U.S.-Ukraine agreement on exchanging military research and development information dates back to 2001. Although the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has worked with the Ukrainian government and firms since 2023, legal barriers currently limit its ability to expand these partnerships and invest directly in Ukrainian defense technologies.

"Ukraine is fighting for its survival against Putin's illegal invasion, and its forces have been forced to innovate at an extraordinary pace," said Rep. Bacon. "They are proving new drones, unmanned systems and electronic warfare capabilities against Russia in real combat, and our military should be learning from that experience. I'm joining Rep. Costa in introducing the bipartisan Frontline Innovation Act to help bring battlefield-proven technologies into our own defense innovation system and strengthen our military while continuing to support Ukraine's fight for freedom."

"Ukraine has demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of Russia's aggression, and Ukrainians are innovating and developing new defense technologies under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable," said Congressman Costa. "This bipartisan bill will help strengthen our national security by investing in technologies that have been tested on the battlefield, while continuing to support Ukraine's fight to defend its sovereignty."

"Standing with Ukraine is in America's own interest, and the Frontline Innovation Act is a smart, practical way to do it. Every day, Ukrainian forces are developing and testing new technologies on the battlefield, providing valuable lessons that can help make our own servicemembers safer and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow," said Rep. Bell. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know our military must have the best tools and technology, and after my recent trip to Ukraine, I can see how much Ukrainian battlefield innovation has to offer. I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to learn from our partners' battlefield experience and help them continue defending their freedom."

"When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the entire world expected Kyiv to fall within days. Instead, the strength, resilience, and innovation of Ukrainians and the Ukrainian military have kept the capitol free for over four years. The United States should learn from Ukraine's battlefield innovation to strengthen and modernize our own military to ensure our forces are prepared for a new generation of threats," said Rep. Quigley, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. "The Frontline Innovation Act would enable the U.S. military to accelerate defense innovation while continuing to support Ukraine as a critical ally."

The Frontline Innovation Act would:

• Expand defense cooperation by authorizing the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to evaluate and invest in Ukrainian defense technologies, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
• Strengthen U.S. defense capabilities by directing DIU to ensure the United States benefits from technologies developed and refined through Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion.
• Allow technology proven in combat to reach the U.S. military faster while creating new opportunities for the American defense industrial base to gain new partners and a larger market.
• Support Ukraine through increased investment and cooperation, allowing both countries to collaborate on developing the next generation of defense capabilities.

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