[Jpost] Ukraine has slashed drone delivery times from months to weeks, arming frontline troops with 1,000 FPV drones in under two weeks.
According to a press release by Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Agency, frontline units in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Kherson have received the drones thanks to the newly launched DOT-Chain Defense weapons marketplace. The rapid delivery, up to four times faster than traditional procurement channels, may mark a turning point in how Ukraine equips its forces amid the ongoing war with Russia.
In total, during the first two weeks of the DOT-Chain Defense IT system’s operation that is designed to streamline acquisition and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, the military placed 43 orders for nearly 7,000 drones (both FPV and bomber types) worth almost UAH 245 million (($5.9 million USD).
“We are already seeing the first results of DOT-Chain Defence,” said DPA Director Arsen Zhumadilov. “Every day we cut from the moment of request to delivery at the frontline means saved lives and faster adaptation to changes on the battlefield.”
The system, which went live on July 31, is currently being piloted by 12 brigades operating in Ukraine’s most active combat zones. Among them is the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade Kholodnyi Yar, where the initial skepticism quickly gave way to operational enthusiasm.
“After the first introduction to the system, skepticism turned into interest and support. It really removes unnecessary bureaucracy from combat units and allows them to quickly get what they need — exactly when they need it,” the press release quoted Oleg, from the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade Kholodnyi Yar, who the press release said is responsible for working with DOT-Chain Defence in his unit.
TRAINING AND TACTICAL INTEGRATION
The DPA and the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition are said to have conducted a two-stage training program. The first phase involved remote onboarding to familiarize troops with the system’s interface and capabilities. The second phase brought agency personnel directly to the frontlines to assist soldiers with placing their initial orders.
“These visits will become regular,” Zhumadilov was quoted as saying. “They are part of the Defence Procurement Agency’s broader strategy for systematic engagement with military feedback. This will allow the Agency to promptly adapt the system to the real needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s DOT-Chain Defense IT system was developed to “efficiently and directly” supply weapons to Ukrainian forces. According to the press release, it functions as a marketplace, where soldiers use DPA funds to independently choose the types and quantities of drones they need.” While it is currently operating in pilot mode and offering only FPV drones, there are plans to scale it to other segments of the country’s Armed Forces and expand it to include additional equipment such as electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, MLRS, other types of UAVs, as well as drone munitions drops.
While it is currently operating in pilot mode and offering only FPV drones, there are plans to scale it to other segments of the country’s Armed Forces and expand it to include additional equipment such as electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, MLRS, other types of UAVs, as well as drone munitions drops.
The possible success of DOT-Chain Defense underscores Ukraine’s growing reliance on agile, tech-driven solutions to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. As drone warfare continues to reshape the battlefield, platforms like DOT-Chain defense may prove decisive—not just in delivering equipment, but in preserving lives and maintaining momentum.
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