In 2026, Ukraine faced significant challenges and developments in defense procurement, highlighted by a reported $1.2 billion lost to fraud and inefficiencies. The Ministry of Defense took action by announcing tenders for advanced military technologies, including unmanned ground vehicles and deep-strike drones, under new specifications. Despite advancements like the DOT-Chain Defence system, the procurement process was riddled with corruption, including a misappropriation scandal involving 102 million hryvnias for tank reactive armour. To address these issues, NATO pledged expert support to reform Ukraine's Defence Procurement Agency. The shift to tender formats aimed to enhance transparency and efficiency, but persistent scandals, from overpayments to procurement fraud, threatened to undermine these efforts.
What challenges did Ukraine face in defense procurement in 2026?
In 2026, Ukraine encountered numerous challenges in defense procurement, including significant losses due to fraud and mismanagement reportedly costing $1.2 billion. Despite efforts to reform procurement processes, ongoing corruption scandals and inefficiencies persisted, highlighting the complexities involved in managing military supply chains effectively.
How is NATO assisting Ukraine's defense procurement reform?
NATO is supporting Ukraine's defense procurement reform by providing comprehensive financial and expert assistance. This initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), focusing on improving processes and addressing corruption issues to ensure more transparent and effective procurement practices for military supplies.
What role does the DOT-Chain Defence system play in procurement?
The DOT-Chain Defence system plays a crucial role in Ukraine's military procurement by offering a platform for ordering drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and other defense technologies. It aims to streamline procurement processes, enhance transparency, and reduce opportunities for corruption by allowing military units to place secure orders directly.
How is the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense addressing procurement corruption?
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is tackling procurement corruption by updating procurement mechanisms, launching tender formats, and collaborating with NATO for reform support. These efforts include changing rules to prevent overpricing and introducing systems like DOT-Chain Defence to ensure transparent processes and traceability of defense orders.
How has the shift to tender formats impacted Ukraine's defense procurement?
The transition to tender formats in Ukraine's defense procurement aims to increase competition, transparency, and efficiency. By moving away from closed-door deals to open competitions, this shift has the potential to reduce costs and curb corrupt practices. However, the successful implementation of tender procedures depends on overcoming existing systemic challenges.
What advancements were seen in Ukraine's defense procurement in 2026?
In 2026, Ukraine's defense procurement saw notable advancements, including introducing tenders for advanced technologies like deep-strike drones and unmanned ground vehicles. The launch of new procurement systems and international support underscored efforts to modernize and improve the efficiency and transparency of Ukraine's military supply processes.
What were the outcomes of corruption investigations in Ukraine's procurement system?
Corruption investigations in Ukraine's procurement system in 2026 uncovered numerous fraudulent activities, such as misappropriation of funds and inflated contract prices. Actions included prosecutions and reforms aimed at curbing corruption, with hopes of strengthening accountability and transparency in military supply chains in the future.
News purchasing
Military has ordered over 590,000 UAVs through Brave1 Market since start of year – Defence Ministry In the first nine months of 2026, Ukrainian military personnel ordered more than 590,000 unmanned aerial vehicles through the state-run Brave1 Market marketplace. 486 0 Previously in trend: Procurement of drones Drone industry
Over 500 Defense Forces units have access to DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace; 84% of orders are for UAVs, - Ministry of Defence More than 500 units have already gained access to DOT-Chain Defence—an online weapons store developed by the DOT Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. 405 2 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
Defense Forces have received over million UAVs and pieces of equipment via DOT-Chain Defence since beginning of year, - Ministry of Defense Since the beginning of 2026, units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces have received more than one million drones and other equipment through the DOT-Chain Defense digital marketplace. 555 1 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
Ukraine lost $1.2 billion in 2024 alone to fraud and mismanagement in defence procurement – NYT In 2024 alone, Ukraine lost about $1.2 billion to fraud, waste and mismanagement in defence procurement. 12 419 44 Previously in trend: defense procurement Ukraine’s defense spending Defence contracts
UGV procurement: Tender announced for first time under specifications set by MoD The Defence Procurement Agency DOT has announced its first procurement of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in accordance with tactical and technical specifications set by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. 790 0 Previously in trend: Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs Drone industry
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. 1 207 9 Previously in trend: defense procurement Drone industry
Inefficiency of procurement system is jeopardizing supply of 155-mm ammunition to Armed Forces, - "Ukrainska Pravda" Ukraine’s procurement system for artillery ammunition poses additional risks to the timely delivery of long-range 155-mm shells to the Defense Forces. One of the key problems remains the excessively short terms of government contracts. 1 637 10 Previously in trend: defense procurement
From body armour to footwear: 11 new categories of goods for military personnel on Prozorro Market – Defence Ministry The Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) has expanded the Prozorro Market electronic catalogue for procurements funded from decentralised budgets. 865 1 Previously in trend: Purchases of the DPA defense procurement
Ministry of Defence launches food supply reform for defenders: Food procurement and logistics to be separated The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Defence Procurement Agency DOT have developed an updated concept for reforming the food supply system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are beginning its implementation. 10 270 12 Previously in trend: Nutrition in the AFU Procurement of products for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
E-points program sets record: In June, over 5 billion hryvnias worth of defense technologies were purchased through Brave1 Market In June, the Ukrainian military placed orders totaling more than 5 billion hryvnias for unmanned aerial vehicles, ground-based robotic systems, and electronic warfare/electronic countermeasures equipment on Brave1 Market, the state-run defense technology marketplace. This is the largest amount... 1 925 14 Previously in trend: Procurement of drones Drone industry
Misappropriation of UAH 102 million in tank reactive armour procurement: NABU and SAPO complete investigation, case to go to court The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have concluded the pre-trial investigation into the criminal proceedings concerning the misappropriation of 102 million hryvnias during the reactive armour procurement for the Ukrainian... 832 5 Previously in trend: Corruption in defence
Since beginning of year, more than 22,000 ground-based robotic systems have been contracted for Defense Forces, - Ministry of Defense Since the beginning of 2026, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has already contracted for more than 22,000 ground-based robotic systems (UGVs) for the needs of the Defense Forces. This is nearly twice as many as were procured during the entire previous year. 658 40 Previously in trend: Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs Drone industry
Defence Ministry contracts over UAH 333 billion worth of drones for Armed Forces of Ukraine in six months In the first half of 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence contracted unmanned aerial vehicles worth UAH 333.6 billion for the Defence Forces. This is more than double the volume contracted during the same period last year. 1 085 12 Previously in trend: defense procurement Drone industry
"Buyer’s Cabinet" has opened on Brave1 Market: units can place orders using their own funds, - Ministry of Defense The "Purchaser's Cabinet" has gone live on Brave1 Market, the state marketplace for defense technologies, where units can securely order drones, UGVs, EW, and other defense-related products using their own funds. 954 15 Previously in trend: defense procurement Drone industry
Germany to fund 50,000 attack drones for Ukraine, - Reuters Germany will fund the purchase of 50,000 attack drones for Ukraine. 1 126 11 Previously in trend: Assistance to Ukraine from Germany Drone industry
DOT-Chain Defence has launched drone builder for military, - Ministry of Defense The first combat unit independently customized an attack drone on the DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace using the new "drone builder" feature. 871 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
Former commander of military unit to stand trial over overpayment of 36.6 million hryvnias for winter jackets for soldiers A former commander of a military unit is facing charges over an overpayment of 36.6 million hryvnias for winter jackets and trousers for soldiers. 991 5 Previously in trend: Clothing procurement for AFU
Scheme worth 150 million hryvnias: "GTS Operator" purchased defence equipment with 100% mark-up, - Zhelezniak. VIDEO "Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine" procured concrete blocks to protect gas transmission facilities through front companies. The company has already lost 70 million hryvnias on completed contracts. In total, the overpayment could amount to at least 150 million hryvnias for the... 3 700 22 Previously in trend: Energy sector corruption
"160 billion hryvnias were siphoned off through border guards": Nikolov on shell deal. VIDEO Investigative journalist Yuriy Nikolov has claimed that, over two years under Serhii Deineka’s leadership, the State Border Guard Service channelled 160 billion hryvnias through two foreign intermediary companies for the purchase of ammunition. 5 887 20 Previously in trend: Drone procurement corruption Corruption in defence
1.5 thousand motorcycles have been contracted for Armed Forces of Ukraine. We managed to save almost 12 million UAH, - Fedorov The Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) has signed contracts to supply 1,500 motorcycles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 676 16 Previously in trend: defense procurement
Half million drones for front: military choose equipment themselves through DOT-Chain Defence In 2026, the military had already received 485,000 UAVs and other equipment worth UAH 31.4 billion through DOT-Chain Defence, a weapons marketplace developed by the Defense Procurement Agency. 668 1 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
Cars for Ukraine’s Armed Forces imported as "humanitarian aid" sold in Volyn Oblast. PHOTO Law enforcement officers in Volyn Oblast have exposed a scheme involving the illegal import of cars into Ukraine under the guise of humanitarian aid for the military. 1 364 2 Previously in trend: Fundraising for support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Rada passed public procurement law, which unlocked $3.5 billion in aid The Verkhovna Rada has approved Bill No. 11520 on new public procurement procedures. 3 143 7 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine
Defense procurement shifts to tender format: open drone auctions to begin this summer, Fedorov says This summer, Ukraine will begin shifting defense procurement to tender procedures, including in the drone sector. The largest competitive procurement of 155 mm artillery shells has already taken place, making it possible to save more than 16%. 40 0 Previously in trend: Production of drones Drone industry
Defense procurements through DOT-Chain: Svyrydenko says project extended until 2027 The government has extended the experimental defense procurement project through the DOT-Chain Defence system until October 24, 2027. 37 0 Previously in trend: Production of drones
Drone Line units to order UAVs through DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace Drone Line units have received a new procurement tool, the DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace. In less than two weeks, the military ordered UAVs and equipment worth more than UAH 184 million, some of which have already been delivered to the front. 524 1 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
8,000 Octopus interceptor drones contracted for Defense Forces – Fedorov The Ministry of Defense is purchasing 8,000 Octopus interceptor drones for the Defense Forces to strengthen air defense and increase the number of interceptions. 1 802 15 Previously in trend: Procurement of drones Interceptor drones Drone industry
Drone manufacturers will be paid in advance: Ministry of Defense changes DOT-Chain Defence rules The DOT Defense Procurement Agency, at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense, is launching an advance payment mechanism for manufacturers on the DOT-Chain Defense weapons marketplace: from now on, high-performing drone manufacturers will receive advance payments. The goal is to provide the... 856 5 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
Misappropriation of over 18 million hryvnias on purchase of generators for military: case has been referred to court. PHOTOS Prosecutors from the Lviv Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Defence in the Western Region have filed an indictment against an organised group which caused the state losses of over 18 million hryvnias during the procurement of generators for a military unit. 1 025 5 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU
Defense Ministry updates procurement mechanism for fiber-optic drones to ensure uninterrupted frontline supply The Ministry of Defense has updated its approach to procuring fiber-optic drones in order to guarantee a steady supply of UAVs to the front amid sharp price fluctuations for key components. 48 0 Previously in trend: Production of drones Drone industry
Ministry of Defense allows adjustment of contract prices for fiber-optic drones to ensure stable frontline supplies Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has updated the procurement mechanism for fiber-optic drones to ensure UAV supplies to the front amid price fluctuations for key components. 582 2 Previously in trend: supply of drones Fiber-optic drones Drone industry
National Police uncover schemes involving procurement of firewood for Armed Forces of Ukraine, resulting in losses of over 100 million UAH across 15 regions. PHOTO Law enforcement agencies have carried out a large-scale operation targeting fraudulent schemes involving the procurement of firewood for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in which officials from housing and maintenance departments and contractors are implicated. 1 448 11 Previously in trend: Embezzlement in procurement of firewood for AFU
NATO to provide support for reform of Defense Procurement Agency for first time NATO has for the first time approved comprehensive financial and expert support for the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA). The support will be delivered through the UK Special Adviser for the Defence Office and will focus on strengthening the agency’s capabilities. 935 1 Previously in trend: Cooperation between Ukraine and NATO
Ministry of Defence is launching new model of defence procurement to enable rapid implementation of innovations, – Fedorov The Ministry of Defence is scaling up defence innovation, in particular by launching a new procurement model. 3 981 25 Previously in trend: defense procurement Procurement of drones
Procurement scheme for "Ukrgazvydobuvannia" involving overpayments of 2-3 times amount has been uncovered: losses exceed 295 million hryvnias, - SSU. PHOTO The Security Service of Ukraine, the Economic Security Bureau and the Office of the Prosecutor General have uncovered an illegal scheme in the natural gas extraction sector. 1 629 2 Previously in trend: Procurement fraud at Ukrgazvydobuvannia
Procurement of mines and UAV munitions for front hits record levels: over 50% of 2025 volume reached in three months At the instruction of the Ministry of Defense, the Defense Procurement Agency DOT has systematically increased purchases of engineering mines and drone munitions. In the first three months of 2026, more than 50% of the total volume of these items supplied throughout all of 2025 has already been... 1 177 5 Previously in trend: defense procurement Procurement of drones
EW systems from TAF Industries can be purchased for e-points Units of the Defense Forces can purchase electronic warfare (EW) equipment from the defense technology company TAF Industries using "e-points." 51 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry
Some governments want to bypass state to purchase certain Ukrainian equipment, - Zelenskyy Representatives of certain governments or companies wish to bypass Ukraine when purchasing certain goods, which will not contribute to improving relations between our country and these partner nations. 4 600 75 Previously in trend: Ukrainian weapons production Ukrainian arms exports
Defence procurement resulting in losses of 9.5 million hryvnias: official from RMA and his accomplices to stand trial, – Office of the Prosecutor General. PHOTO Prosecutors from the Poltava Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Defence Affairs in the Central Region have filed an indictment with the court against an official from the regional military administration and four company directors on charges of misappropriating funds allocated for defence purposes. 876 3 Previously in trend: Corruption in defence
Overpayment of 25 million hryvnias for purchase of timber for military: deputy commander of unit in Chernihiv region to stand trial, - SBI. PHOTO The pre-trial investigation into the deputy commander of a military unit in the Chernihiv region, who caused the state losses of almost 25 million hryvnias during the procurement of timber, has been completed. The indictment has been sent to court. 1 002 2 Previously in trend: Embezzlement in procurement of firewood for AFU stealing
Defense Ministry is removing "general’s scheme" for corrupt procurement of no-name drones, Nikolov says Ukraine’s Defense Ministry is changing the rules for drone procurement in order to curb schemes for supplying low-quality "no-name" drones at inflated prices under a "general’s scheme." To do so, it is introducing a new combat-use tracking system and changing the procedure for forming orders... 3 402 10 Previously in trend: Procurement of drones Drone industry
Purchase of bread for National Guard soldiers in Khmelnytskyi region: new abuses exposed. PHOTO Employees of the State Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the National Police's Internal Security Department, have uncovered new abuses in the procurement of bread for National Guard units in the Khmelnytskyi region. 2 813 4 Previously in trend: defense procurement stealing
DPA supplier forced food supply officer to change request to option more beneficial for plant. AUDIO A supplier of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) was forcing a food supply officer to change a request to an option more beneficial for the plant. 3 337 5 Previously in trend: Purchases of the DPA Procurement of products for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Military can order unmanned ground vehicles via DOT-Chain Defence – Defense Ministry DOT of the Ministry of Defense’s Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) has added an option for service members to order unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) via the DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace. From now on, units can independently choose and order UGVs to carry out combat and logistics tasks... 1 755 9 Previously in trend: DOT-Chain Defence
AFU brigades get additional UAH 4.5bn for procurement of drones and EW via DOT-Chain Defence – Defense Ministry Combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in February received additional funding of more than UAH 4.5 billion to purchase drones and electronic warfare (EW) equipment through the DOT-Chain Defence system. 688 1 Previously in trend: defense procurement Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence
How army found itself without heating pads in severe frosts: they ordered 600 thousand instead of 1.1 million, only 24 thousand were delivered For 2025, the State Logistics Operator has contracted for 600,000 heaters, although the Logistics Forces Command requested 1.1 million. 32 074 193 Previously in trend: defense procurement
MoD state enterprise seeks drone suppliers for February–March, Nashi Hroshi reports The state-owned enterprise Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) is looking for manufacturers capable of producing the maximum number of strike drones and FPV drones on an extremely tight timeline — over the next two months, in February–March. 27 0 Previously in trend: Production of drones Drone industry
Poland becomes top importer of Chinese drone parts. Ukraine receives part of it – media Poland has become the leading importer of drone parts from China after China imposed a ban on their export to Ukraine and Russia. 141 0 Previously in trend: Unmanned technologies Drone industry
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