Denys Shmyhal outlined defense digitalization priorities at the Digital Defence Forum

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal addressed the Digital Defence Forum, outlining solutions that are shaping the course of the war and enhancing the strength and effectiveness of Ukraine’s military.

“The Ministry of Defence is firmly advancing three core priorities: people, weapons, and systems. In each, the digital component is essential to achieving objectives. At the same time, we are building a military IT vertical that includes over 7,000 officers responsible for digital transformation who will support implementation across every unit,” he stated.

According to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, digitalization provides the Defence Forces with a tool to reach their battlefield objectives more effectively.

“There are key trends that provide an edge over the enemy in a technological war: data-driven decision-making, effective feedback loops, and network-centric operations. That is why, together with the Ministry of Defence, we are developing eight priority areas of defense digitalization that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and reduce bureaucracy across the military,” he said.

Denys Shmyhal added that people are the Ministry of Defence’s top priority. Accordingly, digital services are being introduced both for individuals liable for military service and for service members:

• In Reserve+, available services range from electronic referrals to military medical commissions to applying for deferments online.
• Within the Army+ ecosystem, more than 55,000 change-of-duty-station transfers between units have already been completed, and over 1.2 million electronic reports have been submitted.

The second priority is weapons.

According to the Minister of Defence, 144,000 units of equipment have already been supplied to the military through the DOT-Chain Defence marketplace. The marketplace is currently accessible to 184 brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and two corps of the National Guard of Ukraine.

The third priority is systems. 

“One of the most essential solutions is the DELTA combat system. Powered by AI technologies, it enables our warriors to strike over 2,000 enemy targets daily,” Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

In addition, the “Impulse” system has been created. It will operate in every military unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and, over time, will be integrated with Army+, as well as other systems.