Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense is accelerating its efforts to modernise military procurement with the expansion of DOT-Chain Defence, a digital marketplace designed to streamline the delivery of weapons and equipment to frontline units. The platform, which has already demonstrated significant efficiency gains during its pilot phase, is set to integrate 130 brigades by October, marking a critical step in Ukraine’s ongoing defence strategy.
The decision to scale DOT-Chain Defence comes as Ukraine continues to adapt to the evolving demands of modern warfare, where speed and precision in logistics can be decisive. The Ministry of Defense has allocated an additional 1.5 billion hryvnias to support this expansion, ensuring that frontline units have direct access to the tools they need.
“DOT-Chain Defence allows units to independently order exactly the weapons they need at the front,” said Denys Shmyhal, Head of the Ministry of Defense. This autonomy in procurement empowers commanders to respond swiftly to battlefield conditions, reducing delays that could previously take months.
The platform’s success is already evident. During its pilot phase, the average delivery time for drones was slashed from several months to just 10 days, a dramatic improvement that underscores its potential. Oksana Ferchuk, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digitalization, highlighted this achievement, noting that such efficiency is vital in a conflict where technological and logistical agility can turn the tide.
Currently, DOT-Chain Defence offers a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including FPV drones, ‘bombers,’ and aircraft-type UAVs. However, the platform’s ambitions extend far beyond its current offerings. Future plans include the integration of ground robotic systems, electronic warfare (EW) and radio-electronic reconnaissance (RER) systems, and even airborne operations involving drops. This expansion will not only diversify the arsenal available to Ukrainian forces but also enhance their operational flexibility.
One of the most promising features of DOT-Chain Defence is the upcoming “Drone Constructor” tool. This innovation will enable military units to customise drone specifications for specific combat tasks, tailoring their capabilities to the unique challenges they face. Such adaptability is a game-changer in an environment where battlefield conditions can shift rapidly.
Since its launch, DOT-Chain Defence has already facilitated the delivery of 45,713 drones and EW systems, a testament to its growing role in Ukraine’s defence infrastructure. As the platform continues to evolve, it is poised to become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s military logistics, ensuring that troops are equipped with the latest technology to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The expansion of DOT-Chain Defence reflects a broader trend in military innovation, where digital platforms and automation are reshaping the way nations equip their forces. For Ukraine, this represents not just a logistical upgrade but a strategic advantage in an ongoing conflict. As the platform integrates more units and expands its offerings, it will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of Ukraine’s defence capabilities.