Design–build approach: Ukraine’s defense industry enterprises will be able to duplicate production capacity faster

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a Resolution launching an experimental project in the defense industry, grounded in the design–build approach.

The Government’s decision will accelerate the duplication of production capacities at one of Ukraine’s key defense industry enterprises. Once the experimental provisions are tested in practice, the project may be extended to other segments of the national defense industry.

Under current legislation, any construction project comprises several key stages — from design to commissioning. Each subsequent stage cannot begin until the previous one is completed, which significantly delays the establishment of new production facilities. 

The Government Resolution, prepared with input from specialists of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, establishes a simplified mechanism. In particular, the experimental project allows design and construction to be carried out simultaneously. In addition, an enterprise participating in the experimental project will be permitted to conclude utility supply contracts (for water, gas, heating, and electricity) before the declaration of readiness for operational use is registered or the certificate is issued.

The adopted decision will ensure the rapid reservation of production capacities to maintain the uninterrupted supply of defense products to state customers.

The ‘Design–Build’ initiative of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine aims to accelerate the construction or restoration of housing, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure. It changes the construction approach: instead of tendering for design services, the state conducts tenders for the complete turnkey implementation of a facility. This approach aligns with the European practice commonly known as the design–build model.