For the first time in Ukraine, middlestrike drones will be purchased through an open tender

The Defense Procurement Agency has announced the first open competitive tender for the procurement of strike drones and middle-strike reconnaissance-and-strike systems. 

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced this. According to him, this is the first UAV procurement of this scale to be conducted through an open and transparent procedure based on tactical and technical specifications rather than specific brand names. This approach is intended to foster genuine competition among Ukrainian manufacturers, attract more participants, select the most effective technological solutions, and secure the best possible price for the state.

The procurement procedure will take place behind closed doors to ensure the safety of manufacturers and protect classified information. Fedorov noted that a similar practice has already proven its effectiveness during a competitive procurement of 155-mm ammunition, which resulted in savings of over 16% of budget funds. The ministry’s main goal is to transition the procurement of other categories of unmanned systems—including deep-strike and FPV drones—to similar competitive tenders as early as this summer. The minister also emphasized that over the past six months, thanks to the expansion of unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, the number of strikes by the Ukrainian army deep behind enemy lines has increased nearly tenfold, which has made it possible to launch a campaign to isolate Crimea and disrupt Russian logistics.

Mykhailo Fedorov announced this on Facebook.

Two Ukrainian companies have been shortlisted for a key Pentagon tender to develop strike drones. 

In addition, three Ukrainian manufacturers have been awarded contracts to produce interceptor drones.