One month into the operation of the DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace: 5,600 drones delivered, valued at UAH 216 million

During the first month of DOT-Chain Defence IT system operations, run by the MoD’s State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT), drones worth a total of UAH 216 million were delivered to the front line.

“DOT-Chain Defence has become a platform enabling combat brigades to order various types of UAVs directly. Currently, 12 brigades deployed in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv sectors are participating in the project. Efforts are underway to expand and advance the marketplace. Our clear goal is to create a platform that ensures our defenders receive everything they need promptly and in sufficient quantities,” said Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

The IT system operates similarly to a typical online store. However, instead of phones or household appliances, service members select the drones they need, with procurement funded by the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

“DOT-Chain Defence is a breakthrough in supplying the military. The pilot phase results demonstrate the system’s effectiveness. We have received extensive feedback from service members on the effectiveness of procurement through the marketplace: they select drones for specific tasks and receive them in a matter of days rather than months. The system has significant potential to grow and cover new areas of supply, establishing a modern approach that complements existing supply mechanisms,” said Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency.

Since the first order was placed on July 31, the system has delivered the following results:

• The supply cycle has decreased over fivefold, shrinking from several months to only a few days.
   
• The system currently achieves an average delivery time of up to two weeks, with a record turnaround of just 5 days from order placement to receipt at the front line.
   
• Choice flexibility: service members choose the specific drones required for their operations. Currently, 151 drone models are available in the system.
   
• Active engagement of UAV manufacturers: the marketplace already offers products from 25 companies.
   
• Expanded assortment: alongside FPV drones, bomber drones, including heavy variants, are now available. The quickest delivery of such drones was just 12 days.
   
• Growing volumes: service members have already ordered over 11,000 drones, valued at UAH 397 million.