First tender for procurement of deep-strike drones announced in Ukraine – Ministry of Defence
The Defence Procurement Agency DOT has announced its first tender for the procurement of deep-strike UAVs based on tactical and technical specifications received from the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Defence reported this, according to Censor.NET.
The procurement concerns long-range strike drones designed to engage targets deep within enemy territory.
Defence Minister Yevhenii Hmara noted that continuously expanding such capabilities is a key component of Ukraine’s strategy. He added that Russia would face new strikes against its military infrastructure.
Which deep-strike drones will be procured?
The Defence Procurement Agency DOT plans to procure drones of various classes that differ in flight range and warhead weight and are capable of autonomously carrying out pre-programmed flight missions.
The Ministry of Defence recalled that it began transitioning weapons procurement to a competitive format last year. The Defence Procurement Agency DOT announced 70 tenders last year and has already announced 26 this year. This is one of the key tools for expanding competition.
"Receiving Ministry of Defence-approved tactical and technical specifications for long-range strike UAVs allows the Agency to apply a competitive approach to this critically important category for the military as well," the Ministry said.
Who can participate in the deep-strike drone tender?
Manufacturers and suppliers whose products meet the specified characteristics and requirements are invited to participate in the procurement.
One of the key conditions is having at least one codified product in the relevant class of long-range strike UAVs.
For the procurement, the UAVs have been divided into classes based on their flight range and warhead weight. Between one and three lots have been announced in each class. One manufacturer may receive no more than 50% of the order within a single lot.
The Ministry of Defence says this will enable several manufacturers to participate in supplying the drones and strengthen competition.
The procurement will be conducted in a closed environment in compliance with security requirements for defence procurement.
"This procurement is another step towards expanding competition in weapons procurement. The Defence Procurement Agency is gradually expanding the list of UAV and other weapons categories procured through competitive procedures," the Ministry said.
"As planned, we are gradually transitioning defence procurement to tender procedures. Even items that are critically important to our military can be procured under transparent and competitive conditions," said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mstyslav Banik.
He added that such tenders make it possible to use funds more efficiently and therefore procure more of the equipment required by the Ukrainian military.
