The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has introduced a new automated system for drone procurement that relies entirely on battlefield data, eliminating human bias, subjective influence, and risks of corruption.
Under the updated model, requests for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be generated automatically based on real combat performance rather than manually specifying particular models or manufacturers. The system evaluates the effectiveness of technologies in active operations, helping to remove ineffective solutions from the market and prioritize equipment that delivers results on the frontlines.
According to the Ministry, the process works as follows: the General Staff generates technical specifications based on unit needs. UAV solutions are then evaluated through a rating system compiled from multiple data sources, including:
- eBali, which tracks actual battlefield effectiveness;
- DOT-Chain and Brave1 Market, which record local unit purchases and demand;
- DELTA and Mission Control, which provide analytics and synchronization of combat deployments.
Procurement decisions are automatically generated based on this combat data. Technologies that fail to demonstrate effectiveness simply do not receive requirements, ensuring resources are focused on proven solutions.
The system also balances innovation with reliability:
- 80% of the drone budget is directed toward technologies already proven effective,
- 20% is reserved for testing new and innovative solutions under combat conditions.
The Ministry says this approach will accelerate the deployment of effective technologies, support innovation, and ensure the Ukrainian Armed Forces are equipped with tools that have a real impact on the battlefield.
