Ukraine is set to launch its first open competitive tender for the large-scale procurement of strike drones and middle strike reconnaissance-strike systems, marking a significant shift in how the country acquires unmanned capabilities for its armed forces.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the initiative, saying Ukraine has significantly expanded the capabilities of its middle strike drone fleet in recent months. According to the minister, these systems have helped impose what he described as a "logistical lockdown" on russian forces by systematically targeting supply lines and rear-area infrastructure.
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Mykhailo Fedorov said increased procurement of middle strike drones has enabled Ukrainian forces to intensify attacks against russian logistics hubs, ammunition depots, command posts, military equipment, and other high-value targets. Over the past six months, the number of strikes conducted at the operational depth of the battlefield has increased nearly tenfold.
The minister added that the expanded use of these systems has supported Ukraine's campaign to isolate Crimea while strengthening Kyiv's operational advantage along the front. Building on these results, the Ministry of Defense will now introduce an open competitive procurement process for strike drones and reconnaissance-strike complexes in the middle strike category.
This will be the first procurement of unmanned aerial systems on such a scale to use an open competitive tender. Ukrainian manufacturers whose products meet the required technical specifications will be eligible to participate.
Unlike previous procurement programs focused on specific drone models, the new tender will evaluate systems based on tactical and technical performance requirements rather than brand names. The ministry believes this approach will encourage broader competition, attract more manufacturers, and help identify the most effective solutions while securing better value for public funds.
Although the procurement will follow a competitive framework, the tender itself will be conducted in a secure closed environment to protect sensitive technical information and ensure the safety of participating companies. Mykhailo Fedorov noted that a similar approach was previously used during the competitive procurement of long-range 155 mm ammunition, resulting in savings of more than 16%.
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