Simplified write-offs of equipment and streamlined UAV reconfiguration: Key changes

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has approved amendments simplifying the procedures for the write-off of military property and for the reconfiguration (assembly and disassembly) of unmanned vehicles and systems.

From now on, brigade commanders may write off property lost, damaged, or destroyed in combat through a single write-off act.

A uniform, simplified principle applies to all military units maintaining accounting records, including brigades not subordinated to a specific branch of service. This ensures standardization of the process and eliminates ambiguities in documentation.

A single act may be used to write off any property, except for immovable assets such as buildings and structures.

The value limit for property subject to such write-off is set at UAH 1.7 million.

“We are minimizing the bureaucratic burden on combat units. Thanks to the updated procedure for writing off military property, commanders will be able to approve single write-off acts independently. In particular, the procedures for writing off unmanned vehicles, munitions, and their components are now regulated. Moreover, when records are maintained in digital format, the approval of the act becomes even simpler and more convenient, as there is no longer a need to enter data into paper registers,” said Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

The amendments were introduced to the ‘Procedure for the Write-off of Military Property in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service’ (Order No. 81) to align it with the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Legal Framework Governing Military Property in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.’

“The new rules minimize paperwork, allow for the write-off of a complete UAV set, including components and munitions, and reduce the process to a single write-off act for an entire day’s operations. Units that maintain records in digital systems are no longer required to keep additional paper logbooks. This will free up the time of logisticians and commanders for combat tasks,” emphasized Oksana Ferchuk, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization.

How were the procedures for writing off UAVs simplified?

Henceforth, unmanned vehicles, systems, and components, as well as munitions employed with them, shall be written off solely based on a write-off act prepared following a launch (or launches). No additional acts are required.

Specifically, the following may be written off under this act:

• unmanned vehicles and systems expended in target destruction or used as decoys during combat operations, as well as those expended in training, testing, or related activities;
• components and equipment, such as antennas, circuit boards, or additional batteries;
• munitions and explosive materials, as well as initiation/detonation devices, expended during launches of the specified UAVs.

If more than one UAV is launched in a day, a single write-off act shall be prepared for the entire military unit for that day. 

The act shall be approved by the commander of the military unit responsible for the accounting records of the military property subject to write-off, upon coordination with the unit’s support services. No approval from higher-level officials shall be required.

How have the procedures for UAV reconfiguration (assembly and disassembly) been streamlined?

Previously, the reconfiguration of UAVs was permitted solely with the authorization of the Command of the Logistics Forces. This created inconveniences and required additional time, as well as the preparation of multiple paper documents.

From now on, the reconfiguration (assembly and disassembly) of unmanned vehicles and systems shall be carried out based on a single document — an act of change in technical condition. Any UAV may be reconfigured, and components deemed necessary by the military unit may be employed.

The act shall be approved by the commander of the military unit; no endorsement from higher-level officials is required.

The rules apply to the following unmanned systems:

• unmanned aerial complexes (systems), including Class I UAVs;
• unmanned ground (robotic) complexes (systems);
• unmanned waterborne (floating) complexes (systems). 

The aforementioned unmanned systems may be disassembled into individual components:

• before introduction into service by a military unit or a support center — if it is necessary to transfer unmanned vehicles, remote-control equipment, components, or other parts to a unit for subsequent use;
• after being introduced into service — in cases where unmanned vehicles, remote-control equipment, or other components have been expended, lost, damaged, or destroyed, if their restoration is impossible or economically impractical.

What advantages does digital property accounting provide?

Under the updated Procedure, if a military unit conducts property accounting in an information and communication system, the approval of a single write-off act becomes even simpler: there is no longer a need to duplicate entries in two paper registers (losses register and shortages register) or to prepare extracts from them. Information recorded in digital form is duly taken into account, thereby reducing the time and effort required.

What documents are required to be attached to the single write-off act?

A definitive list of documents required for the approval of a single write-off act has been set. The list comprises:

1. An extract from the order of the commander of the military unit pertaining to the write-off of military property.
2. An act of change in technical condition — in cases where an unmanned system has been reconfigured (disassembled or completed with additional components).
3. A statement on determining the residual value of military property.
4. Extracts from the register of shortages and the register of losses (if the accounting of military property has not yet been transferred to the information and communication system).
5. Photographic or video records documenting the destruction, loss, or damage of military property (if available).
6. A passport (technical record) or a duplicate thereof for weapons, equipment, or other property subject to accounting by serial number and technical characteristics (if available).