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Ukraine has announced it will push ahead with plans to allow weapons procurement by the Armed Forces of Ukraine through its DOT-Chain Defence marketplace.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a resolution to scale up the DOT-Chain digital platform, allowing the procurement of weapons and non-lethal equipment, according to an announcement from the Defense Procurement Agency MOD of Ukraine.
Military units will be able to order equipment through the marketplace, while the Defence Procurement Agency will provide financing and delivery.
“The military will be able to order what they need for their tasks. They will know exactly what, from whom and when it will arrive,” Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov said.
“This means more accurate planning, less bureaucracy and faster delivery. The Ministry of Defence will collaborate with the market to ensure the military receives quality products on time.”
Initially, first-person view (FPV) drones will be available on the platform as well as types of unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare equipment and robotic systems.
“The DOT-Chain has already demonstrated its effectiveness, which has provided grounds for its expansion,” said Arsen Zhumadilov of the Defenсe Procurement Agency.
“In terms of weapons supply, this means reducing the risk of shortages of critical resources, introducing the principles of market competition and strengthening the defence capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the timely and high-quality provision of the army’s needs.”
The marketplace is expected to feature direct contracts for unique drones, mandatory verification of suppliers, framework agreements enabling competitive procurement of FPV drones, and ability for military units to independently select the equipment they require.
Companies will be screened for any affiliations with the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Republic of Belarus, as well as assessing the supplier’s production capacity and financial standing.
