Ukrainian UAV manufacturers have ranked second in the number of applications submitted in the second round of tenders announced by the United Kingdom within the framework of the Drone Coalition. This was reported by Deputy Minister of Defense for Digitalization Kateryna Chernohorenko.

For the first time, Ukrainian manufacturers have been allowed to participate in a series of international tenders consisting of two categories: the production of enhanced FPV drones with autonomous functions and stable connectivity, and interceptor drones.

“Twenty-six percent of proposals for enhanced FPV drones come from our inventors. This is encouraging because we are achieving our goal—scaling up drone production both in Ukraine and in the West. This will help create an asymmetric technological advantage over the enemy in the long term,” stated Kateryna Chernohorenko.

According to the Deputy Minister, the number of applications submitted this time was lower than that of the first round of tenders. However, the quality of the proposed solutions is significantly higher, attributed to a change in approach to the tender process. The technical requirements now include user scenarios outlining specific problems that need technological solutions. This approach encourages finding the best solutions, making the tender an incubator for new technologies.

The application period for producing enhanced FPV drones closed last week, but submissions for interceptor drones are still open, with a deadline of November 11. Applications can be submitted on the UK Ministry of Defense website.

To recap, the Drone Coalition was established in February 2024 during the 19th Ramstein format meeting. The initiative was proposed by Latvia and is coordinated jointly with the United Kingdom. Sixteen partner countries are currently part of the Drone Coalition.

Ukraine has already received thousands of drones as part of the initiative. It is expected that with the Coalition’s pooled funds for joint procurement (€71 million), an additional 20 000 to 30 000 drones will be purchased and delivered.