Ukraine Opens Competitive Tender for Strike Drones

Ukraine's Defense Ministry has launched an unprecedented open tender for the large-scale procurement of strike drones and mid-range reconnaissance-strike systems.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the initiative, marking the first time a tender of this scale has used an open competitive process for unmanned aerial systems. Ukrainian manufacturers that meet the specified technical requirements will be eligible to participate.

"The number of strikes at operational depth increased nearly tenfold over the past six months."

Operational Assessment

According to Fedorov, Ukraine's mid-range strike drone fleet has expanded significantly in recent months. These systems have been used to target Russian supply lines and rear-area infrastructure.

Fedorov described the effect as a "logistical lockdown" on Russian forces, noting a dramatic increase in deep-strike operations over the past half-year.

Procurement Details

The tender will evaluate systems based on tactical and technical performance requirements, rather than specific models. The ministry stated this approach aims to:

• Encourage competition among manufacturers
• Attract a wider range of suppliers
• Identify the most effective solutions
• Secure better value for public funds

The process will be conducted in a secure, closed environment to protect technical information and ensure company safety.

Fedorov noted that a similar approach used for 155 mm ammunition procurement resulted in savings of over 16% .