Ministry of Defence scales up defence innovations: new procurement model shortens the path from development to deployment

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has launched an experimental project that allows the rapid procurement, testing and implementation of innovative solutions for defence needs.

The Government approved the relevant resolution at its meeting.

What the new approach entails

Previously, there was no procedure that allowed the Ministry of Defence to procure innovations for testing with the troops. Innovations reached the military in an unsystematic way.

The key changes introduced by the Government resolution are:

• The Ministry of Defence can quickly procure innovative products using a simplified procedure;
• Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive innovations for combat testing and decide on their effectiveness;
• Solutions proven in battle receive a pathway for inclusion in supply requirements.

“In modern warfare, the winner is the one who implements technologies faster. Solutions that appear today must be working on the battlefield tomorrow,” emphasised Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

What advantages the Defence Forces will gain

This project, together with previous changes to the new approach for drone procurement, aims to provide the troops with only equipment that has been proven effective.

It concerns innovative goods, technologies, software and solutions that can enhance the capabilities of the army right now.

This makes it possible to shorten the path from development to deployment, respond more quickly to frontline needs and establish systematic feedback between the military and developers.

“Our task is to ensure that the most effective technologies reach the troops and are scaled as quickly as possible,” stressed Mykhailo Fedorov.