The Defense Ministry of Ukraine is undergoing significant transformations with new leadership and policy adjustments. Arsen Zhumadilov concluded his role as Director of the Defense Procurement Agency DOT by mutual consent. Anti-corruption measures have expanded, offering protection to servicemembers reporting corruption. The Ministry opened its TrophyLab to 130 domestic manufacturers for insights into foreign weaponry. New Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara aims to retain core team members while strengthening certain areas. AI is being integrated to optimize target identification, reportedly saving analysts up to 90% of their time. Importantly, the Ministry clarified that women's mobilization remains voluntary. These steps are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to enhance its defense capabilities and governance.
What recent changes have occurred in Ukraine's Defense Ministry leadership?
Arsen Zhumadilov ended his tenure as the head of the Defense Procurement Agency by mutual agreement. Yevhen Khmara, the newly appointed Defense Minister, plans to reinforce the Ministry's core projects while introducing notable personnel changes.
How is the Defense Ministry addressing corruption in the Armed Forces?
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is expanding rights for servicemembers to report corruption without fear of retaliation. A relevant bill was approved to solidify these measures, reflecting a robust stance against corruption within military units.
What opportunities are available for Ukrainian arms manufacturers under the new Defense Ministry policies?
The Defense Ministry of Ukraine has extended access to its TrophyLab platform for over 130 domestic arms manufacturers. This initiative aims to enhance production capabilities by providing insights into adversary technologies.
What are the goals of Ukraine's new Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara?
Yevhen Khmara aims to retain the Ministry’s core team while bringing in new experts for specific areas. His efforts include fortifying defense production and exports, appointing key figures like Hanna Hvozdar, and ensuring continued project progress.
How is artificial intelligence being used in Ukraine's defense operations?
The Ministry of Defense is actively integrating artificial intelligence into military workflows. AI applications have reportedly increased target identification efficiency, allowing analysts to complete tasks in significantly less time, a strategic advancement amid ongoing operations.
Is there an initiative for the mobilization of women in Ukraine's Defense Forces?
The Defense Ministry of Ukraine confirmed that mandatory mobilization of women is not on the agenda. Women may join the Defense Forces on a voluntary basis, with no current legislative plans proposing otherwise.
What are the recent infrastructure developments planned by the Defense Ministry?
The Ministry of Defense is working on modernizing military medical facilities and enhancing medical support infrastructure. These changes are facilitated by Acting Minister Yevhen Khmara and Deputy Minister Lyubov Halan, reflecting a commitment to improve healthcare for service members.
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112,000 missions since start of year: UAVs are being used extensively for logistics and evacuation The number of missions carried out by ground-based robotic systems (UGVs) has increased 3.3-fold since the start of 2026. In August alone, the drones carried out over 25,000 logistical and evacuation tasks on the front line. 514 0 Previously in trend: Fighting system DELTA Drone industry
213 km of anti-drone defences were installed on key roads in August, - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The State Special Transport Service, acting on instructions from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, has installed 1,382.6 km of anti-drone defences along key logistics routes since the start of 2026. 691 2 Previously in trend: Anti-drone protection
In Kyiv and ten other cities, thousands of people took to streets to demand Fedorov’s return, dialogue, and reforms in defense sector. PHOTO Protests are taking place in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as Defence Minister. 6 079 61
Ministry of Defence plans to modernise infrastructure of military medical facilities and strengthen medical support, - Khmara. PHOTOS Acting Minister of Defence Yevhen Khmara, together with Deputy Minister of Defence Lyubov Halan, visited military medical facilities where Ukrainian defenders are receiving treatment and undergoing rehabilitation. 1 255 5 Previously in trend: Medical care for military personnel Medical aid for the wounded
Rallies in support of Fedorov continue in Ukraine for 13th day. PHOTOS Mass rallies in support of Mykhailo Fedorov have been taking place in several Ukrainian cities for the 13th consecutive day. 1 274 22 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Procurement of defective mortars worth 182 million hryvnias: SSU has notified former Ministry of Defence official that he is under suspicion. VIDEO+PHOTOS The Security Service’s military counter-intelligence unit, with the assistance of the Minister of Defence, has exposed the former director of the Department of Military-Technical Policy for the Development of Armaments and Military Equipment at the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence for embezzling... 2 723 15 Previously in trend: defective ammunition for frontline Defective mines for AFU
Ukrainian "Humvee": Defense Ministry codifies "Desna" armored vehicle. PHOTO Low silhouette, moderate weight, ideal proportions, and exceptional off-road capability: the Ministry of Defense has codified and approved the UAT.DESNA multipurpose armored vehicle for use in the Armed Forces. 7 154 12 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
360° protection, a range of 1,200 km and AI: Ukrainian Armed Forces are to receive upgraded "Gyurza-2" armoured vehicle. PHOTO 360° crew protection, reinforced chassis, increased payload capacity, and software utilising artificial intelligence – the Ministry of Defence has codified the upgraded model of the popular Ukrainian special armoured vehicle, the UAT.GYURZA-02. 5 443 5 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons AI integration into defense processes
Ministry of Defence has authorised deployment of 50 ground robots from the start of 2026. PHOTO The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has certified and authorised the deployment of around 50 ground-based robotic systems (UGVs) from the start of 2026. 929 1 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Drone industry
Russia has fitted cluster warhead to "Kalibr", - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO Military engineers and scientists from the Ministry of Defence have examined the Russian "Kalibr" cruise missiles shot down by air defence forces and identified significant changes in the design of the air-launched missiles. 4 309 7 Previously in trend: Kalibr attack from the Black Sea Russian missile manufacturing
Ukrainian laser FIM-92 Stinger simulator for countering Shaheds approved for use in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Defense Ministry says. PHOTO A Ukrainian-made FIM-92 Stinger simulator system has been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is the latest tool for training operators of FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense systems. 1 755 1 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Countering Russian drones Drone industry
Russians tried to kill me; "shahed" crashed into house. I’m miraculously alive, – Beskrestnov (Flash) (updated). PHOTO A Shahed drone destroyed the home of Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Minister of Defence. 17 124 138 Previously in trend: Shahed destroyed Flash’s house
One of most effective Shahed interceptors: Ministry of Defence has authorised Ukrainian "Shvidun" drone for use by Armed Forces of Ukraine. PHOTO The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has certified and authorised the Ukrainian-made "Shvidun" unmanned aerial system for use by the Armed Forces. 5 005 30 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Interceptor drones Drone industry
Defense Forces received Ukrainian-made "Ptashka" quadcopter with target engagement range of nearly 50 km – Defense Ministry. PHOTO The Ukrainian-made "Ptashka" attack quadcopter has been approved for use in the Defense Forces. It is already being actively used by defenders. 4 955 18 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Over 30 million hryvnias in fuel losses for AFU: suspicions have been raised against officials of Ministry of Defence, General Staff, and head of housing and maintenance department. PHOTOS As part of the "Dishonest Procurement" programme, law enforcement officers uncovered schemes involving the misappropriation and overpayment of fuel for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which caused the state more than 30 million hryvnias in losses. 2 584 8 Previously in trend: Fuel supply to AFU
Detecting equipment from almost 2 km away: new Ukrainian monoculars approved for use – Defence Ministry. PHOTO MT-GEKKO-PRO-40 and MT-GEKKO-PRO-50 monoculars, Ukrainian-made night vision devices, have been approved for operational use in Ukraine’s Defence Forces. 3 226 11 Previously in trend: Developments by the Ministry of Defense Military equipment codification
French delegation visited Ukraine’s air defense combat positions. PHOTOS A delegation from France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, led by Minister Catherine Vautrin, visited combat positions of the anti-aircraft missile troops of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together with Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, she... 3 357 13 Previously in trend: Ukrainian Air defence
Serhii Beskrestnov (Flash) became advisor to Ministry of Defence on technological aspects of defence. PHOTOS Newly appointed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that radio technology specialist and military officer Serhii Beskrestnov (Flash) has joined the team of advisers to the Ministry of Defence. 8 338 69 Previously in trend: Military technologies Defense Ministry appointments
UK representatives see latest version of Ukraine’s Octopus interceptor drone, Defense Ministry says. PHOTO In Kyiv, the latest version of the Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone was demonstrated to a UK delegation led by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. 2 986 3 Previously in trend: Interceptor drones Drone industry
Ukrainian strike and reconnaissance GRC Zmiy Droid 12.7 approved for use by Armed Forces, - Ministry of Defence. VIDEO+PHOTO The Ukrainian-made Zmiy Droid 12.7 ground-based strike and reconnaissance robotic complex has been approved for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is designed to perform a wide range of military tasks in high-intensity combat conditions. 3 628 1 Previously in trend: Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs Drone industry
Over 250 component nomenclatures for drones have been codified – Shmyhal. PHOTOS The Defence Ministry has already codified more than 250 types of drone components, most of which are auto-guidance and munition-control systems, as well as communication and control system elements. 684 2 Previously in trend: Unmanned technologies Drone industry
"Wounded Warrior Package": 50,000 adaptive clothing items already delivered to defenders. PHOTO Units of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have begun distributing adaptive clothing items developed on the initiative of the Ministry of Defense and the Command of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 481 7 Previously in trend: Wounded Warrior Package
SSU exposed agents’ couple "hunting" for secret developments in Ukrainian defence industry. PHOTOS The SSU CI in cooperation with the Minister of Defence of Ukraine prevented Russian infiltration of one of the leading defence plants in the south of Ukraine. 4 611 6 Previously in trend: High treason
Man who had boasted of his connections in Ministry of Defence and demanded $15,000 for transferring soldier to rear detained, - Office of Prosecutor General. PHOTOS Under the procedural supervision of prosecutors from the Prosecutor General's Office, a man who offered illegal services to influence personnel decisions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine was exposed. 1 885 5 Previously in trend: Grafters
Tightening sanctions against Russia and financing Ukraine’s defence industry: Ministry of Defence and EU delegation hold meeting. PHOTO A team from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine met with an EU delegation led by Matti Maasikas, Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service. 742 0 Previously in trend: EU sanctions against Russia
Ukrainian laser training system for grenade launcher crews approved for use – Ministry of Defense. PHOTO A domestic laser training system for preparing grenade launcher operators has been approved for use. 831 1 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Military equipment codification
Ukrainian combat module "Khyzhak" codified and approved for use in Armed Forces of Ukraine, - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The domestic remote-controlled combat module "Khyzhak" has been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 3 067 7 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Tracked logistic robot "Liutik" will strengthen capabilities of our defenders – Ministry of Defense. PHOTO The Ministry of Defense has codified and approved the ground robotic system "Liutik" for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 659 5 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Nearly 30 Ukrainian unmanned ground vehicles approved for use since start of year – Ministry of Defense. PHOTO During the first six months of 2025, nearly thirty new models of Ukrainian-made unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and remotely controlled combat modules were codified and approved for deployment in the armed forces, which is one-third more than last year. 1 677 8 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs
Deputy Defence Minister Liiev stole UAH 90 million on arms procurement - SSU’s suspicion. PHOTOS The Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General have exposed a former official of the Ministry of Defence who, together with his accomplices, embezzled more than UAH 90 million of budget funds during the purchase of anti-tank missile systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 8 867 36 Previously in trend: Embezzlement of funds
Official negligence with losses of about 2 billion hryvnias: Former Defence Ministry official notified of suspicion, - Office of Prosecutor General. PHOTO A former official of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has been served with a notice of suspicion of official negligence and use of forged documents (Part 2 of Article 367, Part 4 of Article 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), which resulted in losses to the state of approximately UAH 2 billion. 3 612 14 Previously in trend: Embezzlement of funds
Scheme for purchase of large-calibre rifles exposed, state suffers losses of 33.4 million hryvnia, according to prosecutor’s office. PHOTO Prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office together with investigators of the SSU Main Investigation Department exposed a defence procurement scheme that caused the state losses of more than UAH 33 million. 2 647 34 Previously in trend: defense procurement Weapons supplies for Ukraine
Ukrainian UAV "RONNI-13" codified and approved for use in AFU – Ministry of Defense. PHOTO The unmanned aerial vehicle "RONNI-13" has been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 258 12 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Ukrainian UGV "Murakha" approved for use in Armed Forces of Ukraine, - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The domestic unmanned ground vehicle "Murakha" has been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 4 523 45 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Domestic unmanned ground vehicle TERMIT approved for use in Armed Forces of Ukraine. PHOTO The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine the domestic unmanned ground system TERMIT. 4 755 8 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs
Ukrainian FPV unmanned aircraft system "Svitlovod" codified and approved for use in AFU – Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The domestic FPV unmanned aircraft system "Svitlovod" has been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 393 4 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Unmanned technologies
"Shablia" combat module with grenade launcher approved for use in Armed Forces – Defense Ministry. PHOTO The Defence Ministry has codified and approved the remotely operated combat module "SHABLIA MK19(M)" for use in the Armed Forces. 3 592 13 Previously in trend: Production of Ukrainian equipment Codification of weapons
New "Volyniaka" hexacopter hunts heavily armoured targets, - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The Ministry of Defence has codified and approved the "Volyniaka" domestic unmanned aerial vehicle system for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 4 896 3 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons Developments by the Ministry of Defense
Varta 2 armoured vehicle has been approved for use. Ready for serial production – Ukrainian Armour. PHOTOS The Varta 2 specialised armoured vehicle from Ukrainian Armour has been approved for use in the Ukrainian Defence Forces. 3 975 9 Previously in trend: Ukrainian Arms
Over 130 new types of weapons and military equipment approved for use in May – Defense Ministry. PHOTO As of May 2025, more than 130 new models of weapons and military equipment were codified and approved for use in the Defence Forces. About 80% of them are domestically developed. 1 524 2 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Defense Ministry codifies "Baton Optic" – Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial systems. PHOTO The Ministry of Defense has codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine the Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial systems known as "Baton Optic." 2 905 12 Previously in trend: Production of drones Codification of weapons
Bilyi Vovk strike UAV has been codified and approved for use by Armed Forces of Ukraine - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The White Wolf unmanned aerial vehicle system was codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 766 8 Previously in trend: Codification of weapons
Several models of Ukrainian special-purpose boats approved for use in AFU – Defense Ministry. PHOTO Several models of Ukrainian-made specialized boats have been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 746 3 Previously in trend: Production of Ukrainian equipment
"Spider" ground robot approved for use in Armed Forces of Ukraine – Defense Ministry. PHOTO The Spider ground robotic system was codified and approved for use in the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 197 3 Previously in trend: Production of Ukrainian equipment
Since beginning of year, Ministry of Defence has approved more than 60 types of Ukrainian-made ammunition for use. PHOTO Since the beginning of the year, the defence ministry has commissioned more than 60 samples of ammunition for various purposes produced in Ukraine. 1 662 1 Previously in trend: Ammunition production in Ukraine
Defense Ministry explains procedure for returning to service after AWOL. INFOGRAPHICS Returning to military service after AWOL (absent without leave) is carried out in accordance with the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Procedure for actions by authorized officials, as outlined in a special directive from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 240 6 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU
Drone equipped with magnetometer used for mine detection, capable of locating explosives underground – Defense Ministry. PHOTOS To enhance the detection and identification of mines and explosive remnants of war, non-technical survey teams of mine action operators are using innovative tools. In particular, in Mykolaiv region, a commercial-grade UAV equipped with a modern magnetometer is being deployed. 1 593 3 Previously in trend: Demining of Ukrainian territories Ukrainian demining technologies
Titanium charging stations approved for use in AFU – Defense Ministry. PHOTO The domestically produced Titanium charging stations have been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are intended for fast and safe charging of a wide range of military electronics. 1 801 0 Previously in trend: Military technologies Developments by the Ministry of Defense
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