Ministry of Defence scales up DOT-Chain Defence marketplace: 130 brigades to gain access in October

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has decided to scale up the DOT-Chain Defence platform — a marketplace that simplifies and accelerates the supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

DOT-Chain Defence enables military units to independently order the specific weapons they need on the front line and receive them quickly. All bureaucratic procedures are managed by the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) of the Ministry of Defence.

In October, 130 brigades are set to receive access to the marketplace — 12 involved in the pilot phase and another 118 deployed along various sectors of the frontline. An additional UAH 1.5 billion has been allocated for this purpose, to be distributed among the brigades by the General Staff. Corresponding changes reflecting the budget reallocation and the increase in the number of military units have been made to the Lists and Volumes.

“We are providing the military with a tool that enables them to set their own priorities and quickly obtain what they need without unnecessary bureaucracy. Scaling up DOT-Chain Defence and providing additional funding will make it possible to address critical needs on the frontline even more rapidly,” emphasized Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

“DOT-Chain Defence is an example of an effective transformation of the supply system during wartime. During the two-month pilot phase, the platform has already proven effective: the average delivery time for drones has been reduced from several months to just 10 days,” said Oksana Ferchuk, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization.

The platform currently offers FPV drones, bombers, and fixed-wing models. Gradually, other types of UAVs, ground robotic systems, signals/electronic intelligence (SIGINT/ELINT) systems, and drone-deployed munitions will be added.

“DOT-Chain Defence simplifies the supply of drones to brigades. With a few clicks on an online platform, personnel can order the required strike capabilities and receive them at the front within two weeks. Expanding the platform’s coverage to 130 brigades will allow additional military units to be rapidly equipped with mission-specific drone systems for combat tasks. Additionally, the DPA team is undertaking efforts to broaden the marketplace’s product assortment,” said Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency.

Planned platform developments include the following new features:

• The ‘Drone Configurator’ will enable the military to tailor drone configurations to specific combat missions and frontline conditions. The launch is scheduled for the end of the year.
• An online service-request system enabling rapid technical support.
• A rating system enabling the military to submit ratings and reviews for products received and provide feedback on their user experience.