Since the start of its operations in December 2023, the State Operator For Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT), the acquisition agency of the Ministry of Defense, has secured agreements with 28 additional Ukrainian manufacturers for the supply of gear and clothing to the AFU. Thus, domestic manufacturers currently account for more than 80% of the total volume of contracts for the supply of gear and clothing to the Armed Forces.

In particular, the agency has ordered chemical heaters from a domestic manufacturer. The military will be able to use them as an alternative heat source. These heaters are made in the form of sachets containing a mixture of basic natural ingredients, namely salts or activated carbon, and water, which react with each other to produce heat.

Before, only Chinese-made heaters were purchased for the military. They cost twice as much. The total savings on this procurement alone amounted to approximately UAH 12.5 million. In total, DOT purchased chemical heaters worth almost UAH 9 million.

Additionally, a Ukrainian company with over a decade of experience working with top European firms is now supplying women's summer field suits and ponchos, having previously manufactured uniforms for EU institutions.

The rise in competition has led to better quality items being provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with a simultaneous drop in prices. Having clear procurement guidelines is a crucial part of our strategy, allowing for a greater range of suppliers and setting the stage for innovation. Our goal is to supply the military with everything they need, using state resources efficiently,” noted Dmytro Klimenkov, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine.