Direct and framework contracts, over UAH 128B for drones: DPA reforms UAV supply for the Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, through the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), is launching a new model for purchasing unmanned systems aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and support for domestic producers.
Budget priorities: over UAH 128 billion for drones
In 2025, the state budget allocates over UAH 128 billion for the procurement of unmanned aerial systems. These funds are directed toward equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine with modern drones that meet tactical and technical requirements as well as frontline needs.
For comparison: in 2024, expenditures on UAVs totaled approximately UAH 50 billion. This year’s budget marks more than a 2.5-fold increase, highlighting the strategic priority of developing UAV capabilities for Ukraine’s defense.
Two procurement mechanisms: direct and framework contracts
The new procurement model is based on two primary approaches:
- Direct contracts: used for acquiring unique or specialized UAVs with specific features or purposes. This allows for rapid response to the evolving needs of the Armed Forces.
- Framework agreements: apply to drones with similar technical characteristics. This ensures competition, transparency, and efficiency in the procurement process.
Digitalization and transparency of processes
The DPA is implementing modern digital tools to ensure transparency and control throughout all procurement stages. This includes the use of electronic platforms for tenders, contract performance monitoring, and communication with suppliers.
Support for domestic production and standardization
The DPA emphasizes support for Ukrainian UAV manufacturers. Companies that meet established technical standards and demonstrate high production quality are prioritized in procurement. At the same time, standardization of drone specifications is underway to simplify maintenance and operational use across the Armed Forces.
In 2024–2025, the Ministry of Defense officially adopted dozens of domestic UAV models. Key examples include:
- Poseidon H10 — reconnaissance drone with up to 150 km range, low visibility, GPS-independent.
- Zeus and Hades — FPV kamikaze drones capable of destroying armored vehicles; resistant to electronic warfare (EW).
- Hromilo — heavy strike drone with 3.5 kg warhead; includes fiber-optic version “Hromilo Optic” immune to jamming.
- Black Widow — versatile quadcopter for bomb drops or cable strikes.
- General Chereshnya — line of FPV drones, including anti-drone variants; 14 models codified.
- Liutyi — strategic kamikaze drone with over 1,500 km range and ~50 kg warhead; used against deep targets in Russia.
- Palianytsia and Peklo — latest-generation missile-drones; “Peklo” is already in serial production and in service.
- Predator REBOFF — first series of fiber-optic FPV drones; up to 20 km range, 2.2 kg warhead, fully immune to EW.
According to the Ministry of Defense, 96% of drones supplied to the Armed Forces are domestically produced. In 2025, the state plans to produce at least 30,000 long-range UAVs — a sign of Ukraine’s rapidly developing drone industry.
