Government decision enhances the efficiency of drone procurement

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution establishing the procedure for procuring unmanned systems, tactical electronic warfare (EW) equipment of domestic production, and their components.

The government’s decision shifts the procurement of unmanned systems and electronic warfare (EW) equipment from an experimental framework to a permanent procedure. This is expected to ensure the systematization and predictability of the process. Previously, drones were procured within the framework of a pilot project initiated in March 2023. The government was required to adopt the relevant decisions annually to prolong it.

“This led to uncertainty for manufacturers, complicating their planning. The government has now ensured the stability of the procurement of drone and electronic warfare equipment, which will foster the development of domestic industry and enhance the country’s defense capabilities. This will enable the military to plan their requirements more effectively, while manufacturers will be able to focus on advancing technology and scaling up production,”‎ emphasized Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

Furthermore, the approved procedure is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of decentralized procurement at the military unit level, which is particularly crucial under martial law.

Principal innovations:

• Simplification of procedures. Commanders of military units have been authorized to procure unmanned systems and short-range electronic warfare equipment without the need for approval from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or higher-level military authorities, including supply services. This will substantially reduce the time needed to acquire the necessary equipment.

• Expanding access to framework agreements. Military units will be able to participate in framework agreements concluded by the MoD's Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) or the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection. This will ensure the military's swifter access to modern unmanned systems and electronic warfare equipment at competitive prices.

“Commanders of military units have limited time for bureaucratic procedures. I am confident that simplifying the procurement mechanism will enable our defenders to acquire advanced technologies for combat operations more swiftly. At the same time, domestic manufacturers will secure additional orders,”‎ added Dmytro Klimenkov, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine.